To See A World by Nightwing
sofia · 29 July 2005 · Chapter 37: Helpless
YAY, AN UPDATE! This is most certainly a pleasant surprise! Written beautifully, I must say. You've gotten me so caught up in the chapter that I can't wait for the next one. Thanks for the update! -sofia
Author's reply
You're welcome! Glad you are enjoying it.
QueenofFlarmphgal (FF.net) · 29 July 2005 · Chapter 37: Helpless
WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!! AN UPDATE!!!!!!!!! YAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAYYYY!!!! Oh i'm so happy!!! My favorite part of this chapter was definitly when Koryon came in and talked to Legolas. It was very sad to see Legolas speak of Aragorn as dead. But i'm glad that Koryon know the truth now. The only thing i missed in this chapter was Aragorn! PLEASE have him be in the next chapter!! PLEASE!!!! Otherwise, fantastic!! PLEASE UPDATE SOON!!! PRETTY PLEASE!!! wOoT!!
Author's reply
I'm glad you brought your review over here. I liked the conversation too. I thought an entire chapter of Legolas just sitting there alone and enduring would have become somewhat tedious, so I chose to break it up with a brief talk. Aragorn will be back. I think he will not be in the next chapter, but never fear, he has a rescue to do. Author Reply: I'm glad you brought your review over here. I liked the conversation too. I thought an entire chapter of Legolas just sitting there alone and enduring would have become somewhat tedious, so I chose to break it up with a brief talk. Aragorn will be back. I think he will not be in the next chapter, but never fear, he has a rescue to do. Author Reply: Aaargh, darned twitchy finger....
WindSinger · 29 July 2005 · Chapter 37: Helpless
Oh my gosh! Another chapter! My whole summer has just gotten brighter. However, I am a bit cranky with myself that I never got the review off for your last chapter. I did find it just after you posted it - I checked ARDA one last time before I turned off my computer and there it was. As with this one, I printed it and took it home to savor. When I saw that you were going to take the summer off I decided it was a good time to re-read the entire story from the start, which I did. I had forgotten how much you have written! I can never get enough of it and each chapter seems to end too soon, but it is much longer than I had remembered. And each page is a gem. I had intended to get you a review sometime this summer before your next chapter, but obviously never did --- I am glad you are better at keeping to your schedule than I am! I truly, absoutely, and sincerly love this story! I just don't know what to say that I haven't already tried to say. The story itself is wonderful and the treatment of a blind Legolas is excellent. However, I keep coming back to the fact that it is the relationship between Legolas and Aragorn, how you show the depth of their friendship, that is really special. After all, the best part of pain and suffering is how one or more loved ones react, the extent they go to to aid the stricken one and how the whole experience strengthens their bond. I haven't read this chapter yet, I will wait until I am home and can really savor it, but I wanted to get this off to you before I get too caught up in work related stuff next week. PS - Good luck with your house situation and THANK YOU again for the new chapter!
Author's reply
Goodness, I amazes me that people are re-reading. This story has gotten pretty long! Yes, short chapters, long story. That works best for me. If the chapters were longer, I'd be posting once every six months. I feel the same way about strong friendships. Hard times can either bring out the best or the worst in people, but of course it'll bring out the best in our two heroes. Do let me know what you thought of the new chapter after you have read it!
AM · 29 July 2005 · Chapter 37: Helpless
An unexpected treat! Poor Leggy (not being able to move would drive me insane). Somehow I think that things are only going to get worse. But he might have an ally? Ranger???
Author's reply
Worse before they get better. Yes. Here is a quick glimpse of your ranger, bandaged and bundled in a big blankee: "Zzzzzz..."
TithenFeredir · 29 July 2005 · Chapter 37: Helpless
What a wonderful surprise to find your next chapter up! I have been re-reading the earlier chapters lately--it is such a good, well-written tale. I'm glad Koryon is there, not only to give Legolas a little relief from his horrible confinement, but also because of the opportunity he creates for lovely little moments like the one where Legolas proves to him that elves can love. That was an excellent bit of angst. I thought you also did a great job with Legolas' torment after Koryon left, his drifting into nightmare and the way he soon began to confuse his own sounds of suffering with the content of his dreams. It made me physically uncomfortable to read it. The only thing that makes it bearable is anticipating the resolution of the elf queen's murder and Legolas eventually being freed and reunited with Aragorn. (Oh, and Tithlam too, I hope!) I assume he must regain his sight at some point as well. There is quite a bit of drama to look forward to. Thanks for posting so soon. I'm looking forward to the next in September. ~TF
Author's reply
Wow, re-reading me? That is nice to hear! I liked that part too, when the young man came to a new realization about the elves. As long as we believe people are different from us, we can continue to hate them. When we begin truly communicating with others on a deeper level and start finding the similarities, it becomes much more difficult to hate. I think our current world could try a little harder to learn the message of this simple fact, yes? There is a lot to resolve and wrap up before this tale is done. More chapters to come. Tithlam will be appearing again. She a smart little kitty and knows when to run.
LadyoftheMarshes · 29 July 2005 · Chapter 37: Helpless
Great to read the latest instalment. The way you described Legolas's feelings as he tries not to panic in the silent dark of the prison is particularly good. And the conversation between Legolas and the young guard who has tried to show him kindness is beautifully done - I loved the way that Legolas grieves not only because Aragorn was his closest friend but because he knows that Aragorn was meant for a greater destiny. Don't worry about making us wait for the next instalment - for a story this good I'm prepared to be patient.
Author's reply
YES!! YES!! I am so very pleased you noticed that Legolas grieves for two reasons. I believe that Aragorn was of immense importance to the Elves of Middle-earth. They knew they had to depart the land they loved, and certainly they wanted to leave it in capable hands when the Age of Men began. It was not just chance that the heirs of Isildur were raised in Imladris. The elves took pains to see to it that Aragorn was as "elf-like" as a Man could be, with full understanding and appreciation for their customs and history. In his own way, he would ensure that their influence would continue after they were gone. In my mind, Legolas also fully knew of Aragorn's destiny, and was doing his part to look after him in addition to loving him as a brother. Imagine the shock and horror of believing that the one Man so carefully raised and cultivated by the Elves had been killed before defeating Sauron and ascending the throne. Legolas fears all hope is lost for the world, not just for himself. That will be fleshed out in a later chapter, in another conversation.
ArcherGal2932 · 29 July 2005 · Chapter 37: Helpless
YAY! AN UPDATE! lol Your description of Legolas' torture/nightmare is fantastic. But on the author reply thing on FFNet, I am also posting a story and I have yet to find anything about that on the guidelines or anything like that, but on one of the stories I was reading a while back the author put in a note that said that FFnet was no longer letting authors post replies at the beginning or ending of their chapter postings. It's interesting that you saw that, too. Let me know if you find anything on it, and I'll keep looking. Good writing, I can't wait for more!!!! -ArcherGal2932
Author's reply
Hello again! It is a shame about the rule at ff.net. But if it drives more people to seek out reading material on this site, it's not all bad. I prefer SOA, and encourage people to come here for their LOTR stories. Good quality here, and they encourage writers and readers to communicate. With this chapter I have, for the first time, been getting more reviews on this site than on FFN. Good!
Faith · 29 July 2005 · Chapter 37: Helpless
THAT THAT THAT!!! BASTARD!! THAT EVIL EVIL BASTARD!!! OOoo hes sooo going to get it!! yes he is precioussssssssssss...MUWAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHHA!!MUWHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAAHAHHAA MUWAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!*flies off to find that Ramhar on her fellbeast wearing her nazgul outfit, carrying her handy dandy balrogs whip...*evil grin Faith,the Sue Slayer Proud member of IMSGSET and the Sue Squad
Author's reply
Yikes! Ramhar is running for it now! Don't kill him yet. He has more nastiness to do first.
Elwen · 29 July 2005 · Chapter 37: Helpless
Thank you so much for updating this story. I have missed it terribly as one of the best I have ever read.
Author's reply
And I thank you for saying so!
French Pony · 29 July 2005 · Chapter 37: Helpless
Yay, it's back! I don't remember whether I left a note for the last chapter or not, but I am glad to see this one. It looks like Legolas is really in a bind here (rim shot), and is going to need every little bit of his considerable strength and courage to see him through this ordeal. I loved the parts where he started making noise just so he could have some sensory input. And he seems fortunate to have found, if not a friend, at least a grudging ally in Koryon. He'll need all the help he can get.
Author's reply
Hello FP! Yep, the elf is all tied up at the moment, har har! Challenges are in store, and his inner strength will surface. He does need some new friends, and he'll find them.
daw the minstrel · 29 July 2005 · Chapter 37: Helpless
You did a good job of conveying the agony Legolas was in because of his restraints. You had me squirming and swallowing, just to be sure I could.
Author's reply
I've got a dark streak, so I enjoy writing that sort of stuff. I'm glad I've got a plot to work it into, so it's not just another pointless elf-torture story. But then, maybe it is just another pointless elf-torture story! I'm just good at disguising it.
Robinscat · 29 July 2005 · Chapter 37: Helpless
Ahh! a gift unlooked for. I was so surprised to see an update. I had schooled myself to paitience until Sept or Oct. Thank you, thank you for posting. This was a very powerful chapter. I could hear and taste and feel Legolas' sense of helplessness and despair. Left me full of anxiety for his future. Looking forward to your next chapter. Thank you for your gift. Robin
Author's reply
You're welcome! The next chapter is already underway. Just got to find the good long chunks of time needed to get into it.
Jay of Lasgalen · 29 July 2005 · Chapter 37: Helpless
Oh, poor, poor Legolas. To lose the sensation of sound, which is all that keeps him anchored in his dark world, must be terrifying. He seems to be skirting madness in his desperate despair and anguish. I like the young guard. He's afraid of the 'evil elf', of being caught helping him, and believes Legolas and Aragorn murdered the old man. Yet he still has the compassion and courage to help. There is still hope for this city if there are more like him. It's great to see an unexpected new chapter! Good luck with everything, and I'm looking forward to an update in September!! Jay
Author's reply
Hi Jay! It's good to hear from you. I like the guard too. He's a good egg. He has a nice Grandmama as well.
Alison H · 29 July 2005 · Chapter 37: Helpless
What an unexpected surprise!! I'm so happy to see another chapter of this incredible story--even if, by the end, I wanted to kill all the bad guys who were torturing Legolas! But, at last, he can put a name to the kind soldier who helped him.I loved how Legolas told him that he loved Aragorn and the soldier was shocked that Elves could love.A mushy moment!! Legolas' torture at the end was truly terrifying and hard to read.The poor Elf needs a respite but I don't think he'll get one just yet.The cavalry has to come soon---but I don't think I ever want this tale to end! Thanks again for updating and good luck with killing the house!! Take care. Ali.
Author's reply
I know, I hate my bad guys too. But it seems my muse loves them. This makes things difficult for our elf-prince. More hard times for him ahead, but help should be on the way once Aragorn wakes up. Wake up Aragorn! Wake up! Zzzzz... Oh dear.
Rose Sared · 29 July 2005 · Chapter 37: Helpless
Someone needs rescueing!!! Cue the cavalry or at least the would be king. Great storytelling much enjoyed. Rose
Author's reply
He definitely needs rescuing! Legolas is not getting out on his own, that's sure. I'm certain the future king will have a hand in that.
Legolass · 29 July 2005 · Chapter 37: Helpless
Another great chapter - the hiatus helped? :-) I like how you described Legolas' struggle with the darkness and the loss of sounds to orient him.
Author's reply
Hey there. I'm working my way through some stories I have wanted to get to, and I'm pretty sure yours is next on the list. I have not forgotten that I promised to take a look at "For the Love of the Lord of the White Tree". I'll probably be jumping on it after I get back from vacation. Glad you liked the update! I think sound becomes even more important to one who has lost eyesight. Can you imagine the horror of losing both senses?
Catoblepas · 29 July 2005 · Chapter 37: Helpless
Ack! I know I should be asleep this late at night (or early in the morning, as it may be), and I truly was planning to sleep eventually, but then I saw that, Lo and Behold!: Nightwing updated! Joy of joys! And my elation is unbounded. No, really, I'm so overcome with happiness that I'm having difficulty stringing a sentence together, and that's not just because I haven't slept for twenty-three hours. Praise caffeine in all its delicious glory! Poor Legolas. I just can't stand to see him trussed up like some helpless animal ready for slaughter. Oh, wait...Of course I can! Mwahaha. And my angst fetish is somewhat appeased...for the moment. Oh, look, it appears that someone out there seems to be the least bit troubled about Legolas's condition and is making the slightest effort to alleviate his pain...Time for him to die. We can't be having with guards who disobey their orders, no we can't. ...I'm such a terrible person. And not because I just wished the demise of one of the only compassionate characters in this story. I haven't reviewed in months! Shame on me. I must stop lurking, I must... But I don't think I can wait until September! Kill the house! KILL THE HOUSE!!! ...Perhaps I can terrify it into submission...Grrr. Methinks I need to stop ranting and get some sleep. Farewell, and may your riveting story contintue for many chapters yet, lest my hands develop minds of their own and torment you in the sanctity of your inbox! Just kidding. ...I think...
Author's reply
Well, here's hoping you found snooze time! You sounded about due for some. :) Have a heart, the elf needs a friend or two right now. Don't kill the nice guard yet.
lindahoyland · 28 July 2005 · Chapter 37: Helpless
What a treat to find another chapter from you waiting as I just love this story !Poor Legolas,you have me worried about him and about Aragorn too! Great writing as always !
Author's reply
I am extrememly worried about Legolas too. Aragorn will be OK. He's just sleeping it off. He'll be leaping back into the fray after a bit of recovery time.
Sadie Sil · 28 July 2005 · Chapter 37: Helpless
I'm so glad you updated. You have no idea about how much I love your story. Please do never give up writing it. This chapter was intense. I love the way Legolas talked about Aragorn's "death". You write so well... Thanks again Sadie
Author's reply
I'm glad I updated too! I won't give up on it. It's got its hooks into me big time.
ArcherGal2932 · 7 July 2005 · Chapter 36: Close to the Edge
Oh dear, it has been months since I read this and before I got a chance to review! My sincerest apologies! But honestly, your work is fantastic. I hope you continue beyond finishing this piece and write more. I will not be very happy at all if you do not continue writing...*winks* Well, if you need anything drop a review by me. That is, if the SoA people accept my application....*paces anxiously* It's been...three days now. *bites at nails nervously* Well, there's always FF.net. But I've got to wait until tomorrow until I can post there because of the stupid 3-day wait...*growls angrily at computer* I hate waiting. Oh no, did I just write all that in my review? So sorry - you probably didn't want to hear all my nervous chatter. Anyways, hope to see a new chapter soon! ~ArcherGal2932
Author's reply
Hi Archer Gal. My apologies for losing track of this review and not responding promptly! The update is in, I think you saw it. I'm much too fond of this story, and have put in way too much time on it, to abandon it. It has a few chapters to go yet.
e_vrouw · 24 June 2005 · Chapter 36: Close to the Edge
Hi, sorry for the long wait. I loved the chapter. The only problem was, It's a bit short. :-( The mood of this chapter fit the situation perfectly. It's very gloomy. I like the descriptions/sounds/mood of the town. You can almost imagine what it looks like eventhough, like Legolas, you can't see it. I like the way Legolas keeps thinking ahead. He deduces that they are nearing the city due to the changes in the terrain and a lot of other things. I bet Legolas is imagining the lay-out of the town as well. Although I'm not really sure, he isn't exactly 'planning his escape' at present. He's merely trying to cope with the situation as it unfolds. I don't believe it can be very comfortable being in a box. But I think it would be even worse when the box is being carried. And down the stairs! I don't know about you, but I always have a lot of trouble carrying large/heavy objects up or down stairs. The jostling must be awefull. Poor elf! Lord Ramhar is scary! I don't want him anywhere near me!!! Though I am curious what he told the soldiers. "He cannot harm you while he is silenced and his eyes are covered". He doens't say anything about him being restrained. It's as if he wants to make the soldiers believe he's a sorcerer. That his true powers lie in his eyes and voice, like Saruman. Personally, I would rather have an elf restrained if I wanted to keep him from harming me. It might be handy to have a captive blindfolded and gagged, but it is not absolutely neccessary. Yet Ramhar makes it appear as though he could do more damage with his voice and eyes, than with his hands. Strange. Though I've been told elven-eyes can be quite hypnotic for certain females. ;-) Best line: "The elf drew in his breath. And it will go well for me if I submit? " How can you write humorous statements like this, even in the bleakest of times? It livens the mood. My deep admiration. Happy holiday, e_vrouw P.S. The reason I was busy: I am now a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering. :-D :-D
Author's reply
Congrats on receiving your degree! You must be quite brainy. Electrical engineering sounds way out of my league. Yes, at the moment, the elf is just trying to cope. He has no idea how he is going to get out of this. And Ramhar wants his people to fear elves. He has been feeding them a bunch of hooey for a long time. Fear makes people easier to control. My summer break is going along nicely. My husband survived his surgery. The new house will start happening in about three weeks if all goes according to plan. And we're off to Disney World on Monday. Thanks for sticking with me. I'll be back again in the fall.
Legolass · 12 June 2005 · Chapter 36: Close to the Edge
Nightwing, I have written a few times before to let you know how much I truly have been enjoying this story, and I will wait patiently for your update, whenever that is. I should also have told you this much earlier - but late is better than never: your story was one of those that inspired me to write my own, and I have acknowledged you in it - several times. It is almost at the end now - in fact, only awaiting the final two chapters, in which I will acknowledge you again. I thought it a shame that you would never know that - hence this note. Just wanted to say: Hannon le. All the best in your real-life matters - hope they get sorted out quickly and smoothly. :-)
Author's reply
Hi Legolass. Wow, I'm amazed to think I inspired someone else to put out a tale. I hope you are enjoying writing as much as I do. Thanks for letting me know! I'll try to scoot your way and take a look at your story.
MissMarshy · 9 June 2005 · Chapter 36: Close to the Edge
I had to drop you a message and say thanks for the wonderful story so far - it was the very first long fic I ever started following when I got into reading LOTR fic. The best of luck for your busy summer - hope your husband's op went OK, and that the house building and moving is going according to plan. Don't worry about keeping us waiting a little longer for future chapters - perfection takes time, after all! With very best wishes Kathryn (MissMarshy)
Author's reply
Perfection? Oh, my! That is very nice of you to say. My husband is fine. He's a quick healer and the physical therapists have said he's way beyond where patients usually are at this point in regaining mobility and strength. I've actually read three, yes three! books for pleasure so far. I have not done any pleasure reading in ages, and it's been very enjoyable. But I've also been working on the outline for this story, so some work has been getting accomplished here as well. Thanks for the review!
Thundera Tiger · 19 May 2005 · Chapter 36: Close to the Edge
*wanders in late as usual* Hello! Yes, yes, I'm tardy, and no, I don't have a note to excuse myself. You'll just have to be content with the review. ;) Brilliant chapter. Once again, I have to admire the fact that you're able to write all of this from Legolas's blind perspective. You manage to flesh out just enough details to cement the setting in our mind, but you leave out just enough that we feel as blind and helpless as Legolas. Very tricky writing on your part, and I bow before your greatness. Speaking of helpless...wow. Legolas is now confined, but the manner in which he is confined...over compensation much? Of course, they're taking no chances with this elf, and thank you once again for creating intelligent villains. I've taken an extreme disliking to Ramhar, by the way. He's blood thirsty enough to scare me, but his restrain scares me even more. If something bigger is in the works that he's able to hold off from what would clearly be satisfying vengeance...I don't like it. And I don't like the way he's taunting Legolas. Our poor elf seems to be holding up well, but he's now very well restrained and that parting remark of Ramhar seems to hint at rather unsavory desires. I was given many chills over it. But who's this new guy? The old guy that Legolas can't stand? He intrigues me, partly because of Legolas's gut reaction to him (that was some brilliant writing, incidentally) and partly because he seems to be calling the shots. If blood-thirsty Ramhar will accede to his wishes, then what does HE have in store for Legolas? You've given me a lot to think about, and I'm desperately afraid for my favorite elven archer! So I'll sit on pins and needles until your hiatus is finished. I definitely understand the need to step back and reevaluate. I've done it myself several times, so take all the hiatus you need. I just hope you don't forget us entirely. Hope to see you again come fall!
Author's reply
I am content. No excuses necessary, my dear! Ummm, yeah, his restraints are a bit much. I confess to having something of a fetish in that regard. But, it really will be a pretty minor part of the story, so I'm patting myself on the back for keeping it under control. For me, that is. I am glad that you like my villains. I'm needing to do a bit of background work on them at the moment so that their actions and the story itself remain believable and stays on track. Goodness, no, I will not abandon this story. I've been plagued with a lifelong sense of responsibility, so it will get done. I'd never forgive myself if I didn't complete the tale! But seeing as how I might be facing surgery myself now, and my house might be bashed to bits in a few weeks, writing time will be scarce until things settle. And how is your update coming along, with the terrifying situation our elf is in, surrounded by the desert men? I am also desperately afraid for him right now, and am on my knees, begging...
e_vrouw · 8 May 2005 · Chapter 36: Close to the Edge
Sorry, life's been hectic. I'll leave a real review when I have the time. Just wanted to let you know I'm still alive. Sorry to hear you're going to postpone this story. Have a nice break. e_vrouw
Author's reply
No problem! I know all about hectic. I'll be happy to hear from you when I hear from you.