To See A World by Nightwing
OakWolf · 23 October 2004 · Chapter 30: Hold On
Wow,Nightwing you are amazing.Was fascinated by Legolas's trip home and Aragorn's view of the "gold vision" Having been afflicted by hypothermia I know what its like to wake up with your best friend wrapped aeound you.Good nay excellent job.
Author's reply
Really? What were the circumstances?
French Pony · 22 October 2004 · Chapter 30: Hold On
I can't remember whether or not I reviewed the last chapter, so I will say that I really liked it and hope that's not redundant. But I liked this one much better. I liked how you showed Legolas really working, both with and against his blindness. If Aragorn pulls through this (which he must, for then you'd only have one character left, and that wouldn't be much of a story), they will both have learned much about what a blind elf can and cannot do. Legolas is very lucky to have such a good seeing-eye horse. I especially liked the bits from Aragorn's cold-fogged point of view. It seemed very hazy and unreal, which of course is exactly how it would seem to a Ranger who nearly became a popsicle. (New! Ranger-pops! In your grocer's freezer!) He'd better hurry and get well, for whoever set the trap will be able to follow their trail, and I don't think that Legolas will be up to defending from an attack for a while. Even though he can shoot at a noisy, unintelligent/stationary source, his hands are all cut up, so even if he could see, he wouldn't be able to do much shooting. Next chapter, I suppose, is what my fencing friends and I like to laugh about when two sports-injured fencers face off -- the March of the Gimps.
Author's reply
The March of the Gimps? Bwah! It was fun to write from the foggy ranger POV. I like that stuff, for some reason. Yep, they are not in good shape right now, but at least they are cozy for the moment. How's grad school going?
SouthWind · 22 October 2004 · Chapter 30: Hold On
What a treat! Just before I logged off last night I checked Stories of Arda one last time and joy of all joys, another chapter of 'To See A World'! I copied it and took it home to savor. What wonderful angst! What could one want but more? I love your brave Rhosgernroch, overcoming her fear of the dead wolves to come to her friend. And the description of Legolas realizing what had befallen his friend -- "...felt his fear burn away under a hot torrent of anger." Very realistic and nicely put. I loved that Legolas realized he had only one chance to force the trap to release its grip and how he used his rage to help feed his gathering strength (and the whole bit about how he had to focus to prepare himself for the effort). Sigh, very nice. Aragorn seeing the wolves as grey spirits who cut him was a wonderfully creative wat to show how far he had slipped toward oblivion. Oh, and the mental image of your 'bright being' that leapt to his defense is definitely a keeper. That forcing the trap open reqired an extreme effort, even for the elf, also seems right on track. "Tendons in its neck stood out, the muscles around the jaw knotted and quivered..." what a wonderful, graphic, word painting. It is all I could have hoped for, even to Legolas cutting off Aragorn's wet, cold clothes (wet clothes are hard to get off even if one is not unconscious) and use of the age old method of warming a frozen body with another warm one - bare skin to bare skin was right on. It seems exactly the thing one of the friends would do for the other. I keep repeating myself, but wonderful, wonderful stuff! I will work on being patient for the next chapter. At least Legolas and Aragorn are finally in the warm safety of the cabin. PS - I also wanted to apologize for posting a review of your last chapter under another screen name. I just forgot what I had originally registered as. SouthWind and WindSinger are one and the same.
Author's reply
Both are very cool names. In reading about hypothermia, it seems hallucinations and amnesia are both big problems as the condition progresses. So it just popped into my head to make the wolves appear as weird apparitions to Aragorn, and not have him able to recognise Legolas at first. I love the thought of them curled up together, but not in a slashy way. It just speaks volumes about love and commitment, sacrifice and friendship. Glad you approve.
Thundera Tiger · 22 October 2004 · Chapter 30: Hold On
Look look! It's me again! And I'm even reviewing on time! Yes, the world is probably come to an end. But at least you can go out with a review! (That's probably not much consolation, but it's the best I can offer right now.) Anyway, this chapter was stunning, and it seems to me as though it would be a tricky thing to write. We know that Aragorn is caught in a trap because we've be treated to Aragorn's POV in previous chapters. But Legolas knows nothing about it, and that could challenge many authors who might make the mistake of letting Legolas know what the readers already know. I had no doubt that you would give Legolas the chance to discover the trap on his own because I've seen the way you write, but I still have to compliment you on it. You pulled it off quite well. The wolves have just left, and of course Legolas is going to assume that the blood comes from that, not from the trap around Aragorn's ankle. The idea that sound is what alerts him to the trap before touch is a very telling point. Legolas is not a healer and he's not going to be as thorough in his examination as Aragorn might have been under similar circumstances. And granted that Aragorn needs to get out of the cold, but an experienced healer would have checked his legs before lifting. Legolas doesn't, and I really like that small difference you bring out between the two of them. The preparation Legolas goes through as he readies himself to pull the trap apart was great, and once again you establish the fact that this is an elf, not a man. Good opening section! Next section! Very few writers I know of can pull off a convincing dream sequence. Ithilien and Etharei are on that list, and you've joined them. You manage to give us enough descriptions that we can recognize what Aragorn is seeing, but you also make it disorienting enough that we can experience the Ranger's confusion. Good balancing act between these two extremes. Not a lot of authors can do that. Oh, and kudos for a very convincing take on someone experiencing the final stages of hypothermia. Having been there myself, you've brought it all back to me and I could really feel Aragorn's disorientation and pain. Final section! Rhosgernroch's journey home was tense, and I felt every moment of it. The little details you add about her losing her step in the snow or shifting unexpectedly while Legolas cannot see to compensate made for a very complete scene, despite the fact that we were as blind as the elf in many respects. Once again, you bring out the fact that Legolas is not a healer, and I thank you for that. But you also remind us that Legolas has been around a while and despite the fact that he is not a healer, he has friends and companions who ARE. He has an idea of what to do, and Legolas's blind dash around the cabin to see to Aragorn's needs, light the fire, make sure the mare is cared for, was frantic and harrying. You have an absolute gift for shifting moods and playing up the pathos of a chapter for all it's worth. It's a wise elf who leaves well enough alone, especially when he can't see well enough to do anything about Aragorn's ankle. And the closing picture of Legolas trying to warm Aragorn with his own body and singing was so very elven and so very worrisome that I'm torn as to whether I love the ending for such a gorgeous picture or whether I don't like it because it's a cliff hanger and I want to know what happens next! Either way, you really ought to update soon. ;) Oh, and good choice to plug Lamiel's fic. I read it a couple weeks ago and am in love.
Author's reply
Thank you once again. I love writing from the perspective of a blind elf, but man, it is a challenge. I have to imagine the situations as vividly as possible and put myself in his place while remembering that no understanding can come to him through visual means. I'm grateful that you noticed and commented on all the little details that surface when Legolas goes about making discoveries, because I do work hard on them. Happy also that you liked the hypothermia details. Aragorn is perhaps a bit more alert than most guys would be by now. I had originally started off planning to have the removal of the trap be from Legolas' POV. I didn't like how it was shaping up however, and so decided to see what would come if I switched to Aragorn's. Which means I had to wake the ranger up a bit. I thought having him grow more alert again might be plausible since he's a descendent of Numenor, made of stronger stuff than the common man. I've been reading about hypothermia (and blindness and trapping and medicinal herbs and gobs of other stuff. I'm becoming a mini-authority on all sorts of odd things as this story goes on!), as I want situations to be as realistic as possible, and that is why Legolas strips his clothing off and dives into bed to wrap his body around Aragorn. I wondered if my readers would howl in protest (or delight!) or get silly with wink-wink nudge-nudge stuff. I was counting on them to be mature about this, and they have not disappointed me. Yes, isn't Lamiel's story great? Did you read Dark Whispers? Delicious. Thanks so much for reviewing again, Thundera.
sofia · 22 October 2004 · Chapter 30: Hold On
Great chapter. Its times like these when you would wish Legolas had his sight back. But because he doesn't, and hes freeing and healing Aragorn, that just makes Legolas so much more of a healer. I am going to check out 'This Present Darkness', actually, i'm going to end this review and go check it out right now. -sofia
Author's reply
Ah, but he did very well without his sight, didn't he? And how did you like TPD?
Wantanelf · 22 October 2004 · Chapter 30: Hold On
Another great chapter and so soon. I'm really enjoying this story and look forward to every update. Keep up the great work. By the way, you mentioned Lamiel's new story. I'm always looking for a great new read but can't find it. Where is it posted?
Author's reply
She is posting it over at fanfiction.net
daw the minstrel · 22 October 2004 · Chapter 30: Hold On
What a dramatic rescue! At least, I hope it's a rescue, although Aragorn is apparently not out of the woods yet. I was particularly struck by the section from his point of view. I wasn't expecting it and it was very powerful. I have to keep reminding myself that Legolas is blind because he reacts so well now to the various cues he gets from his other senses. I'm a little worried about what Aragorn will do for warm clothes when he recovers, now that Legolas cut his coat up.
Author's reply
I wasn't expecting it either! When I sat down to work on that part, I fully intended it to be Legolas' POV. But it wasn't coming out the way I wanted it to, so I decided to see what would happen if I switched to Aragorn's. Which meant I had to wake him up a bit more. Wolf bites are good for startling people who are fading out. I was much more pleased with the hazy Aragorn perspective. The coat is a bit of a mess now, isn't it? And neither of them is going to be up for much sewing until their hands heal.
Gud Daedheloth · 22 October 2004 · Chapter 30: Hold On
Beautifully written and very griping. That Elf seems to be equipped with insurmountable strength! Honestly, the Ranger weighs more than Legolas and is totally unresponsive, won't be any help with getting on the horse... and Legolas has already done much by opening the trap and fighting the wolves. Impressive, yes, but believable?
Author's reply
Here's my take: it is my impression that Legolas is stronger than the average mortal man. I'm not sure I can actually back this with anything directly from Tolkien on this, however. He emphasized their creative and artistic abilities, their beauty and nobility over physical power when he described the superiority of the elves over the race of men. But Legolas made the shot that felled the Nazgul's steed, he did not tire or require sleep during the pursuit of the orcs who had taken Merry and Pippin, he did not tire on Caradhras... so I inferred from these moments in the books that he is exceptionally strong and persevering. As for Aragorn weighing more than Legolas, opinions vary. Tolkien stated that Aragorn was the tallest of the company. It may very well be that he is heavier, since the professor made it clear that the elves are generally tall and slender. But looking at the movie, Aragorn and Legolas appear about the same to me in weight and body shape. Perhaps Viggo Mortenson is a little bit bigger than Orlando Bloom, but it is not a significant difference. I get the impression that some people think elves don't weight much of anything, citing the fact that they do not sink in snow. Oh dear... even a sparrow leaves prints! I believe that it is one of the many "mystical" traits of the elves that they do not sink in snow. I like to imagine that they love Arda so much that they wish to leave no trace that might mar it. It's not beacause they weigh two ounces. Lastly, I was inspired by Pippin. Yes, Pippin! Remember in ROTK, when he is trying to get Faramir off the burning platform? At first he can't do it. He's too tiny to move the heavy body of an unconscious man. But the desperation of the moment propels him. The adrenaline surges, Pippin screams, and then he does it! I wanted a similar moment for Legolas.
Jay of Lasgalen · 22 October 2004 · Chapter 30: Hold On
Well, thank goodness Legolas got there in time! I liked following Aragorn's confused thoughts about the grey spirits, and the shining, beautiful one who fought them. Very well done. As a matter of interest, how would those who set the trap open it to remove whatever it had caught, or to reset it? If even Legolas struggled, I would think it too much for mortals. I'm very glad he did release Aragorn, but he seems to have made a mess of his hands. That will surely affect his ability to care for Aragorn in time - but he seems to be doing a good job for now. Jay
Author's reply
The makers of these nasty traps have keys. I've tried to viualize these traps in my mind. I studied several styles of traps last year when I met a trapper at a primitive skills conference to get an idea of what I wanted mine to look like, and how a locking mechanism might work. Unfortunately no key for the elf, so his hands are pretty messed up right now. As are Aragorn's. Neither of them are in great shape at present.
fliewatuet · 22 October 2004 · Chapter 30: Hold On
*fliewatuet gives a huge sigh of relieve* They are home!!! Finally. Legolas did a great job and deserves all the cookies and hugs in the world. Of course, superior elven strenth and a better position would be enough to open that confounded trat, though it seemed to have been a near thing. Now I only hope that Aragorn will quickly overcome the consequences, since Legolas is injured as well and does not seem inclined to tend to his own wounds. And there is still the person who set the trap to deal with ...
Author's reply
It was a near thing. Legolas couldn't quite get it opened far enough, hence he ended up ripping it off the foot. Ouch. Bad guys...
Robinscat · 21 October 2004 · Chapter 30: Hold On
You write so beautifully. I thank you for sharing your gift. This is a masterpiece of writing.
Author's reply
Gosh. Thank you.
Elven Queen of Gondor · 19 October 2004 · Chapter 29: The Seeker
Thank you for clarifying the details for me. I reread certain passages, and they make much more sense now. The one thing I noticed while getting over the chapters anew was that you could trim some passages. In my humble opinion each chapter should transport real information about the plot. It should move the story forward. So you might keep an eye on staying on the path that is valuable for the storyline. I look forward to your next chapter.
Thundera Tiger · 17 October 2004 · Chapter 29: The Seeker
Look, look, look! I'm here! I made it! Yipee! Okay, let's see if I can make up for my long absence. The main, overaching theme I really want to comment on is character development. Your characterization is superb, and has been since the first chapter. Legolas is every inch the elven prince he should be. He is proud, he is capable, he is independent, he is wise, he is shrewd, he is perceptive, and above all else, he is elven. The world is a different place for him, and with but little touches, you show that. You also keep his character traits in place, but you turn them against him. He is wise enough to know despair, he is shrewd enough to know there is little to be done about his current condition, he is perceptive enough to know what Aragorn won't tell him, and his pride comes into direct conflict with his capabilities and his tattered independence. It's an amazing clash of character, and then you develop it over the span of many chapters. Legolas's changes and his adjustments are fascinating, and you take him through some very logical and expected emotional hills. It's all extremely believable and very much in keeping with what I would expect for someone like Legolas. The development we see in this most recent chapter as Legolas realizes he has been raging against the forest which could have been his most valuable ally is monumental, and when he finally accepts the forest back into him, it's as though he becomes whole once more. And a good thing, too, because it looks as though Aragorn needs him. Speaking of Aragorn, let's talk about his character development. He shares many of Legolas's traits, but they also differ in key ways. As a Ranger should be, he is wise, shrewd, independent, capable, and proud, but he's also mortal and he adapts better to changing situations because that is what mortals have to do. They don't have time to waste on adapting when their entires lives seem to be one big change. And though Aragorn grieves along with Legolas, he seems to tackle the practical aspects of this limitation better than Legolas does. I suppose it could be argued that it's because it isn't happening to Aragorn, but it seems to go deeper than that, which is a testament to you as an author. Aragorn also shows a tremendous amount of loyalty and dedication, which harks back to his training as a healer and to his protective nature in general. The fact that he is willing to lose his own foot because Legolas needs him is an amazing tribute to the character, and I thank you for bringing us on an incredible journey to the point where Aragorn would seriously consider such a thing. Throughout the chapters so far, you've kept your principle characters consistent, and given the circumstances, I can only imagine what a trial that must have been. This is an exceptional story of drama and friendship, and I eagerly await the next chapter to see where you take these two heroes next. And with any luck, I'll actually review on time, too! ;)
Author's reply
Oh goodness. Legolas is all that? Truly I've just been pottering along, for the most part feeling like I've been hanging on to any sort of character development by the skin of my teeth. I'm very grateful that you think both Legolas' and Aragorn's actions/reactions/thoughts have remained consistent throughout this long tale. And hopefully things have not gotten too dull and heavy, as I really have been taking my sweet time in bringing out different things, much to the irritation of those who crave action. I thought I'd have gotten to it by now, but other things seem to always be stepping in and demanding to be addressed. I'm bloody happy that the elf's desperation, despression and angst are about finished though. It was getting a bit tedious for both readers and author. Thanks for the encouragement! It means a lot coming from an author of your standing. Oh, and do not worry about the charts and things I made for LoLaS. It is one of my favorite fics, so I had fun. It IS a complicated story with a great deal going on. Now I feel like I have a better handle on everything. Well, I think I do...
Elven Queen of Gondor · 17 October 2004 · Chapter 29: The Seeker
Nightwing, reading your reply to my review I first wanted to thank you for your straightforwardness. As I have learned many authors are sensitive when it comes to criticism and some even shy away from it since the story they deliver is precious to them. I understand and respect that. All these ff sites offer authors a chance to go public with their ideas and it would be rude to disregard their feelings. So my comments on your story are meant as suggestions, which you can take or leave, or drop my review into the virtual garbage after reading. The first four chapters are flawless. The writing is excellent, the pace good, the plot develops before the reader's eyes, and everyone can feel the tension emerging from the bare necessity to save the Elf's life. Aragorn's feelings for his friend are described with heartbreaking intensity, and the back-from-death scene is great. Additionally the flashbacks are well placed and not too long to distract the reader from the ongoing plot. In chapter 5 you write that a bundle with food is left on the doorstep. The two refugees have stayed there for some time in the hut, unharmed and unnoticed by others as it seems. No matter who left the food, would he not have looked through the window? Not tried to make contact? Or, if the people from the wood knew the healer to have lived there for a long time, would they not gather and meet the strangers? In the worst case they would accuse them of murder since the old man is not there with them. The healer is another subject. Much time passes between the arrival of Legolas and Aragorn at the hut, and their finding of the dead man in the apple orchard. Could he not have been found by those people living there? Time passes, and the heroes start getting prepared for winter. Legolas' health has returned aside from his eyesight. Should they not have at least tried to return to Mirkwood? (That they won't make it due to a fast weather change or any other obstacle is certainly possible...) You bring in two new characters, the guard from the city and the boy - which I both find very credible and the boy indeed lovable in his innocense and kindness towards Legolas - but then you leave this way, and the reader does not get to know why the citizens do not like Elves, or what becomes of the young boy or the governer of the city. There are also no further thoughts by Legolas or Aragorn about them, but I think the happenings at the city and some facts about the people in the woods will be explained in further chapters, right? Legolas' slow acceptance of his blindness is well written and credible. Adding his elven abilities, this makes a nice development of his character as he learns that the world is still open to him. But his abilities reach further than one might have thought when he fights three wolves in the woods. Well, I hope you won't stalk away from your computer with an angry growl into my direction. You write a wonderful, enjoyable story, and I hope to find an update of it really soon. Namarie
Author's reply
Lessee... I'll try to hit on the points you have made and clarify if I can. The mysterious gift givers had been watching Aragorn and Legolas, saw that they needed help, and gave it in the only way they could. They understood pretty quickly that they had not killed the old man. You'll recall the conversation our heroes had with Alun, when he described these people. Perhaps they did look in the window, certainly they were peeking from the cover of the woods, but they have their own reasons for wanting to remain anonymous. By the time the hill men had found the old man, he was already dead. They are wanderers, and were elsewhere when he was in dire need. He was discovered by them only after he had died, and they had not the means at the time to free him and bury the body before Legolas and Aragorn found him. If our heroes returned to Mirkwood, we'd have no story! I wrote that Legolas was unable to travel for a time. He was still too ill, and the snows then blocked the passes. It snows sooner in the mountains than on lower ground. He could not go alone, Aragorn would have gotten totally buried in snow, food would have been much more difficult to find in winter, and no way could they have carried enough to see them through several weeks of hiking. So they're stuck until spring. Yes indeed, the boy and his guard will be back, as will action in the city, so sit tight! They were introduced for a reason, and have not been forgotten about by the author. I agree about the wolves... it was a bit too much. Must have gotten a little too fan-girlie there! Very shortly after I posted the chapter I reread it and thought it would have been more believable with two wolves, with the second one taking the elf down. I may repost that chapter when I have a spare moment. I'm not grumpy in the least! I like it when readers warn me to work on keeping the plot moving in a consistent manner. Update should come this week. I'm about to send it to my beta.
Elven Queen of Gondor · 15 October 2004 · Chapter 29: The Seeker
I haven't left a review yet, but I follow the story with the updates. Very impressing piece of ff you deliver here! I hope you continue soon so that I find out if Legolas really found his friend! BTW do you like to receive constructive criticism on this story?
Author's reply
Hmmm, do I like to receive constructive criticism? (Nightwing winces, begins shuffling about in her chair, planning evasive moves....) *Cough*cough*cough Yes and no. I accept them with less than good grace most of the time, and stalk away from the computer after reading them grumbling and irritated. I am terribly touchy, defensive and sensitive. BUT, I do recover in time, and then I am able to take another look at the comments and usually find them to be of value. I do not necessarily end up agreeing with the opinion of the reviewer, but quite often there is a little point made that can be of help to me as a writer. So fire away! I'm as ready as I'll ever be.
Timmy2222 · 11 October 2004 · Chapter 29: The Seeker
What bravery and friendship you displayed as Legolas sets out to find his friend. It was a good idea to let him get back some kind of sense for the "real world" when he realises that he can hear the trees and 'feel' his way through the forest. What will he do once he has found Aragorn? How can he help him out of this deadly trap? As you have shown before this trap was meant to be only opened with a key, and with the fading strength of Aragorn they both will have hard work ahead to get it open again. Hm, I just thought that the arrival of Legolas would be an excellent moment for those men to appear, who have put the trap there. Ai, I hope not! - T.
Author's reply
Hi, Timmy! I'm glad to see you again. I wanted that moment in the woods to be significant for Legolas. He needed to come to a new level of acceptance of his blindness, to realize that he is not as isolated as he believed, and to start getting on with it. About time, too. All that anger and depression was wearing me out. What will he do once he finds Aragorn? Let's just say I hope he ate his spinach today!
Thilwen · 8 October 2004 · Chapter 26: Then the Perilous Path was Planted
Ah, and now we get to the pity party you warned me was coming. (Thilwen grabs her violin and starts playing a very off-key durge.) Have some Elf Prozac, it might help. And stop thinking of what you can't do and start focusing on what you can. Of course, I've *Never been guilty of self-pity. Nope, not me! How did I know Aragorn was not going to be returning! Excellent cliffy there! I'm glad I don't have to wait for the next chapter. i must read on, i must read on!
Author's reply
Yes, that was it. Poor elf. But, once again, there is a reason for the loss of his visual memories. At least I hope there is!! It remains to be seen if I can tie it all together when we reach the climax of the story. And now, with Aragorn in a spot of trouble, the elf will just have to get his act together. It is high time he found out just what he can do, don't you think? He has no other option now.
Windsinger · 8 October 2004 · Chapter 29: The Seeker
Oh joy! I returned from vacation to find another "To See A World" chapter! I printed it immediately, took it home to savor, and just now found a smidge of time to shoot you a quick note. Another wonderful chapter! I really, really admire, like, -- love -- , your Legolas and Aragorn. What I wouldn't give to share an evening around the campfire with them. They are the type of people who enrich the lives of those around them -- helping them to become better people by just to trying to live up to their example. Sigh ---- I love how your Legolas finally cannot keep pushing his fear and anger away but must allow it to almost consume him, really letting himself feel its full depth before he can move beyond it. And then having him realize he is the discordant tone in the forests song! Very nice! The journey you have taken Legolas on is just so -- believable and real! Only once he has admitted, and allowed himself to feel, the depth of his despair is he able to finally question the energy he wasted on 'fruitless yearning' and, once again, can allow the "... tree-song and star-song ..." become part of him, to allow the undying Song to restore his soul. I keep repeating the same thing -- but words fail me. Wonderful, wonderful stuff! And Aragorn, finally sliping into darkness, his last thoughts of Arwen, after fighting to the very end to find a way to free himeself, to survive the elements, to live. And then there are wolves! I like that Legolas, if he had the time, might have been able to reason with them, or convince them to move on to other prey. After all, wolves are part of the natural universe he is connected with so it makes sense that he could, at least on some level, be able to communicate with them. And now he is injured, too! And although he has found Aragorn he has not yet FOUND him. I can wait, I really can, for the next chapter. Take your time. I know the creative process can't be rushed -- but, gad! It is hard! I am waiting on pins and needles to read about the reunion, tending to injuries and -- illness? and then healing, in more ways than one. And who is doing this? And why? Sometimes I wish I would only find the few really good stories after they are completed so I can read them from start to finish in one sitting. But then I also love to read chapter by chapter because I find I enjoy the detail more. And then when the story is finished I can read from start to end with a deeper understanding and I think I get more out of it. However, I am not sure I want your story to ever end! So, I will keep checking for the next installment -- Great job! Kudos! You have made my week and I am so glad your story is now lodged in my psyche. Windsinger
Author's reply
Hello Windsinger! I think you must be new. Thanks for such a lovely, enthusiastic review. I'm very glad you liked that Legolas was saddened by the fact that he had to kill the wolves. No one else has mentioned it, but I thought it was an important facet of his personality to bring out, so I appreciate you noticing it. At first I just had him kill the wolves, but then on re-reading and pondering, I thought "Nope. He needs to feel badly about this". I wanted to demonstrate in him a reverence for life. All beings play a part in the balance of Arda. He's not sorry about killing orcs, because they are an abomination wrought by evil for evil purposes, but any other life that he takes he feels either respect and gratitude, as in killing game for meat and furs, or sadness, as in the situation with the wolves.
Thilwen · 7 October 2004 · Chapter 20: Slings and Arrows
Oh rats! I can't remember the password I used to register at Stories of Arda, so I can't leave one of those signed reviews that you can never delete. My plan to overrun your story's review sections is foiled! Here is a review for the past two chapters. I was going to save everything up and do a review after I caught up, but even blind people have the occasional memory lapse. Only in my case, it's more of a special occasion when I don't have a memory lapse. Awwwwe! Poor Legolas is gettin mad. What a shame! He needed to be shaken up though. As a true friend, Aragorn is one of the safest people there is to nudge him out of his comfort zone. There are so many stories I could share about my friends doing something similar to me. Remind me to tell you about the caffeteria in college. Aragorn is fortunate I was not the one with whom he was having the "I don't know how to take care of you" discussion. Had I been Legolas, I would have started shooting for that target right then and there. And as for trying to tell me what I could and could not do, I would have suggested he make a journey to a place with a much warmer climate and quite a bit of fire. My friends help me when I ask for it or when they know I'm too shy about asking for it, but I help them too. They don't take care of me. We care for one another because of our love for each other. They never tell me what to do. They might make a suggestions Legolas asked Aragorn to do, but I make my own decisions in the end. I'm glad Legolas asserted his need and his right to be independent. Very ingenius, having Legolas blindfolded. I can't help but wonder if Tarnin will feel especially betrayed when and if he learns about the blindness. I hope Legolas loses the "I don't want anyone to know" complex very soon. It's not that I don't approve of the way you're writing it. It's just that he's going to get in trouble if he's not careful. You said you thought being blind must be a very lonely thing. Yes, in many ways it is. People often treat me like I'm about five years old. They'll speak to those I'm with, but not to me directly. Others treat me like I'm a piece of very fragile glassware. They seem to be afraid I'll break into a thousand pieces physically or emotionally if they say or do the wrong thing. Not all people are like this of course. The people who have common sense, the ones I really enjoy being with are the ones who see me as an inteligent person. They are honest about what their feelings of uncertainty. They aren't afraid to ask questions, and they allow me to set my own boundaries. Ok, I'm off the soapbox again, and I'll try to stop responding to your review responses. Time to see how Legolas does with snow and what the bread tastes like.
Author's reply
I hope you are willing to forgive Aragorn. This is very new territory for him, and he still feels responsible for what happened to Legolas. And since they are surrounded by unfriendly people (who will become more than unfriendly quite soon now), he is justified in his concerns. If either of them gets hurt, there is no where to go for help. And he is being honest about his own uncertainty in how to deal with Legolas. He's rather at a loss sometimes, so flip-flops back and forth. Hang in there. Legolas is hiding his blindness due to a mistaken sense of pride or some silly thing, but it will matter greatly in the end. I'll say no more on this, as I do not want to give anything away!
Thilwen · 7 October 2004 · Chapter 17: A Tale of One City
See? I promised I'd start reading again, and here I am at last! Nothing on the blindness this time since that really wasn't a major thing in this chapter. I liked the story about the city. It helps us to understand just who these people are and how wrong things have gotten to be. About those who see the movies but never read the books, Yes, bravo, couldn't have said it better myself! The movies are ok, but they're nothing compared with the wonder and detail of the books! Hmm, though I agree that elves do not stop having sex after they have kids, I'm going to respectfully disagree with the idea that they are involved with more than one person. That just doesn't go along with the Legolas I know and love. I believe he would find it impossible to share so much of himself with anyone with whom he's not completely in love and completely bonded. The only thing I can support this with is the way he seems to make friends. When he makes a friend, he doesn't give just a part of himself, at least not to real friends. He shares his whole heart. His emotions run too deep to do anything else. Anyway, we can continue this discussion in private. On to the next chapter! Thilwen
Author's reply
So happy I am to see your latest reviews! Yes, we can agree to disagree on the topic of elven sexuality. I do like your take on the depth of his feelings of love and friendship.
Muinthel · 6 October 2004 · Chapter 29: The Seeker
Geeeee.....what a chapter!!! While reading I crew all tense and excited that my little one inside got all wound up and kept kicking me ...so I needed to run to the bathroom and could not even read it all at once! This chapter was worth the waiting....so stong and powerful. I'm so glad that finally Legolas found a path to himself again. Sigh...I got slowly "tired" of his frustration and anger and selfreproaches (do you have this word in english??). When he finally listen to the forest around him my inner music was pumping up the volume. I love the silent grey shadows, the ghosts that would escort Aragorn on his journey......what a picture and sign for the rest of the chapter. Absolutely beautiful! And what an ending..... but I promise I will be patient for the next chapter. But knowing you the way back to the cottage will not be uneventfull! Thanks for this chapter....(the inner music is still on full volume)! Muinthel
Author's reply
My goodness, don't get so excited about fanfic that the baby comes out before it should!! Maybe it's a girl, and she is in love with Aragorn too! Yes, I must admit I also was getting tired of all the angst and sadness and anger that Legolas kept stewing in. It seemed realistic and necessary, but I'm very relieved he is moving on now. I think "self reproaches" is a perfectly good description! I know just what you meant. I'm glad you liked the "ghosts" Aragorn saw, but did you realize they were the wolves? Or was I too vague, and did not make it clear enough? I am happy you are still reading! I know how busy you are.
fliewatuet · 4 October 2004 · Chapter 29: The Seeker
Uh, now I feel bad, somehow. The chapter is displayed just fine now, but you seem to have lost all the reviews (mine included). By using the 'edit'-option and then removing the old content and replacing it by the new instead of deleting the chapter and uploading a new one you should be able to change the contents of the chapter without risking the reviews. Anyway, I loved the chapter! Somehow, I am glad that Aragorn failed to hack off his foot, but Legolas seems to have arrived not a moment too soon. I am so relieved that he managed to overcome his grief for what he has lost and could focus on the abilities that remained instead. And Our Favourite Heroes are back together at last! Though with Aragorn half dead (or three-quarters dead?) and Legolas injured as well ... I wonder how Legolas is to pry the dreaded trap open ... fliewatuet (waiting, patiently, for the next chapter)
Author's reply
Yep, my booboo. Hopefully my next chapter won't look screwy. That has never happened before, so I'm rather mystified. Well, with only one foot he'd never be called "Strider" now, would he? That won't do at all. Hmmm, maybe half-dead. Not all dead, but the poor ranger does need warming up pronto. As for Legolas, he'll need a whole lotta adrenaline. Reunited and it feels so good...
grumpy · 4 October 2004 · Chapter 29: The Seeker
great chapter, so glad that Legolas has renewed himself, and is in touch with the song and nature again. Loved the part about him decovering that even thou Aragorn was alone in the woods, he still had to step behind a tree! Hope that now that Legolas is so near, that Aragorn has not become a midnight snack for the wolves.
Author's reply
I'm so glad the elf has renewed himself too. He was beginning to wear me out with all his anger and tears, and I don't think I was the only one. I enjoy tossing in the odd little humourous bits. It breaks up the darkness, and it's real, too.
e_vrouw · 4 October 2004 · Chapter 29: The Seeker
Yes! Finally you could find enough time to update the story! I've been waiting for this chapter for weeks but it was certainly worth the wait. This chapter was fantastic!!!! Legolas seems to change completely this chapter. It's like he's a totally different elf! In the beginning he's still afraid and unsure of himself. Until he realises that it's actually him that's causing a lot of the trouble. He unconsciously believed the forest was against him, but in the end it was that belief that prohibited him from working together with the forest. Like a self-fullfilling prophecy.(I hope I got this right, if not you'll have to tell me) While at the end he's like his old self again. He actually tells Rhosgernroch that he'll protect her! And he rescues Aragorn from 3 wolves!!! I was cheering him on. He should start braiding his hair again, he was fantastic! Though he should work with Aragorn on his swordplay. best line: "And this time the elf, not the horse, led the way." I was actually cheering out loud for Legolas after I read that line, and it took me a couple of minutes to calm down enough to read the rest of the story. :) I liked the beginning of the chapter, a nice way to get you back into the story after the long wait. Just Legolas trying to find out why Aragorn would walk around a tree. I loved it! I absolutely love the fact that Legolas is communicating with the forest as he is. He let's the trees be his eyes. He finally finds Aragorn!!! :D Damn, I just thought of something. How's Legolas going to get that trap off of Aragorn's foot?? I'm getting a bit worried about Legolas' headache. I wonder if he knows how to make the tea he needs to get rid of the pain. Up till now it was always Aragorn that selected the herbs to put into them right? I don't think Aragorn will be waking up anytime soon (not that I think he'll die, or something like that), so how's he going to cure his headache? It'll drive him mad. (oh oh, I hope I haven't just given you another angst/torture idea.) Love the title. Not only did Legolas find Aragorn, he also rediscovered his connection to the natural world. He's not alone anymore Hope things are going well, and you can update again soon. e_vrouw I just had a very idiotic thought: How long do you think Legolas will be able to sit still after he recovers his sight? He'll probably behave like a little schoolboy, running all over the place. ;D No Tithlam this time. But I really, really, really don't mind. Though I hope she kept Aragorn's socks warm for him. Don't want him to get frostbite. :)
Author's reply
I'm so glad you liked Legolas' turnaround. I wanted this to be a big moment for him, and realize that he had not lost his place in the world. And I do have plans for the return of the braids. I loved the title too! It's a song by The Who, and I thought it would make a great chapter title. Legolas was indeed seeking more than just Aragorn. Well, if Tithlam is anything like my old calico Maji (who is the model for Tithlam), there will socks strewn all over the cabin by the time they get back. Legolas will be falling all over them.
TithenFeredir · 4 October 2004 · Chapter 29: The Seeker
Oops! I think I just sent you an empty message....sorry! I love what you've done with Leggy's blindness here. I may be reading this wrong, but it seems to me that you've set him up to feel like he was ruined as an elf, sort of disqualified from his own heritage because of the loss of his vision, only to have him discover in this desperate situation that he had the tools to function all along in his connection to nature and to the song. After that, suddenly he can find his way, he can hit moving targets with his arrows and everything seems to be falling into place. And the way you've handled Aragorn's ordeal is so believeable--in part because you are so good at evoking the movie character and his reactions, and partly because you've obviously done your research on hypothermia and the type of trauma that leg trap would create. Another thing I've not mentioned before: you manage to strike a good balance between detail and brevity. I've read quite a lot of fic in which the writing is good and the story is good, but there is so much detail and complexity that I start skimming to get to the point. You've mastered the fine art of leaving in only that which moves the story forward. It makes for such an enjoyable read. Can't wait to read what happens next! Thanks for the fun! TF
Author's reply
I always like the eventual triumph over adversity. Thanks for the Aragorn compliment. Comes from forcing myself outside and sitting under a tree at 5 a.m. without a jacket on. I do try to do my homework. As for the balance of detail and brevity... I'd be delighted to take credit for it, but I fear it is more the result of my lack of writing time than any conscious decision on my part. I'm just scurrying through to get the chapters out with stolen snips of fifteen minutes here and there between work and husband and child and laundry and all that stuff. If I had all day to write, I'd positively drown you in words!