TithenFeredir · 4 October 2004 · Chapter 29: The Seeker
To See A World by Nightwing
Reviews (782)
GudDaedheloth · 4 October 2004 · Chapter 29: The Seeker
Thought I already reviewed on this one, but, hey, it obviously didn't work! Legolas' search is very brave, and... did he really beat three wolves? Wow, one can only be in awe with this elf! Will he find Aragorn nearby? It must be magic at work here!
Author's reply
It worked. I messed up while trying to fix the funky formatting and offed my reviews. My apologies. Hmm, I'm thinking maybe a little too magical. Now that I ponder it, two wolves may have been a bit more believable for Legolas' first real challenge since losing his sight. Ah well, he did look great out there, didn't he? Some elf!
mafia boss of middle earth · 3 October 2004 · Chapter 29: The Seeker
yet another cliffhanger! it would be fascinating if you let aragorn die.. leggy would probably die of greif, then thranduil would die of greif, then greenwood would be without a leader and be completely overrun by dol guldur (maybe) and arwen would also die of grief, and therefor elrond would die of grief, and 'cuza that there would be no council to decide what to do with the ring, and so something else would have to happen to it which you could write out with characters of your own invention... YES!!! DO THAT!!!! KILL SCRUFFY!!! c'mon, you know you want too!
Author's reply
Yipes! Umm, maybe next time.
TieAillin Alcarion · 3 October 2004 · Chapter 29: The Seeker
I can't remember if I've reviewed any of your chapters before, but the story, the plot, everything is exactly right. I can lose myself in this because the writing is superb! One thought, knowing a bit about medicine, especially herbal, and headaches of all sorts: it seems to me that Legolas' headaches might be something trying to heal itself, and Aragorn's medicines might be preventing it. Now that their temporary daily routine has been disrupted, and Legolas has let go of the tension within himself, perhaps his head will heal and his eyesight return. This is one of my very favorite stories! I certainly hope your schedule will let up so you can post more frequently; but I'd rather they be slow and superb than rushed and not as good.
Author's reply
I recognize your name, so you have reviewed before. I'm still working on just what I'm going to do with the headaches. Thanks for the advice, and the praise!
sofia · 3 October 2004 · Chapter 29: The Seeker
I thought I reviewed for this chapter, but i guess i didn't. good chapter. all i have to say is Go Legolas. -sofia
Author's reply
You did, you did. Unfortunately, I deleted the first few reviews in a botched attempt to rectify a screwy looking formatting problem. Next time I cannot figure things out I'll sit back and wait to be rescued by the SOA computer goddess. She never lets me down!
Jay of Lasgalen · 3 October 2004
It was easier to read this at ff.net, but I'll review here. The first part of the story with Legolas alone in the forest, was great. His fear, doubt and loneliness were so sad. His gradual realisation that the trees were there to help him, and the way he wrestled with his thoughts of failure, were great. Surely he can't doubt himself or fear the long-term future (when they survive this little adventure) after killing three wolves attacking him despite his blindness. Poor Aragorn - but at least they have been reunited. BTW, the formatting problem is because of the long line of dashes. If you change that, it should be OK. Jay
Valto · 3 October 2004
augh! Another cliffhanger?! Well...I must forgive you because it DOES keep us coming back for more! Yet another great chapter and I look forward to an update at your soonest convienance! ;)
fliewatuet · 3 October 2004
This chapter had me sitting on the edge of my seat from beginning to end! The positive thing is that Legolas has found Aragorn at long last. But Aragorn is more dead than alive and now Legolas is injured as well. Furthermore, I've no idea how Legolas will manage to get the trap open. At least he isn't hampered by the lack of light ... But I am glad that Legolas has come to rely on what abilities he still possesses instead of mourning what he has lost. It was good to see him opening himself to the song of the trees and even better to see that it helped. fliewatuet P.S.: Something seems wrong with your linebreaks. For me the lines appear much longer than usual so that I have to scroll to the right in order to see the end of the line.
GudDeadeloth · 3 October 2004
Aye, really, did Legolas find Aragorn? Did he?? Legolas fought three wolves before? Boy, sounds like pure magic to me! An amazing Elf! Or was it the trees telling him?
sofia · 3 October 2004
wow, that was eventful. Aragorn isn't dead, he can't be. and one last thing... GO LEGOLAS!!!! -sofia
LKK · 21 September 2004 · Chapter 28: For Your Life
Excellent chapter, Nightwing. The long emphasis on Aragorn's growing hyperthermia reflects how the situation must seem to Aragorn. The flashback sequence was nice. When Aragorn first started thinking about the knife, I thought he was considering suicide. When I realized that he was considering amputating his foot, I was more horrified at that than at the thought of suicide. I pray that Legolas reaches him before the knife stroke falls! (Since you've blinded the elf, I wouldn't put it past you to cut off the ranger's foot.) Good job. :)
Author's reply
Dear me, my apologies for having a spaz and neglecting to reply to this review! I've done some reading about hypothermia, and it seems after a while hallucinations come along. Or weird dream-like memories. Must be a very bizarre experience. And unpleasant. Well, by now you may have had a chance to read the new chapter. The foot will stay, of course, and Aragorn will be known as Strider.
boppy · 12 September 2004 · Chapter 28: For Your Life
i really like this story, it's such a heart warming story. keep writing and i'll be waiting for the next chapter
Author's reply
Thanks. I'm hard at work on the next one.
GudDaedheloth · 11 September 2004 · Chapter 28: For Your Life
Wow, this was griping! Loved it! Aragorn's fear, his despair... I could feel the coldness creep! As for Legolas I hope that he will find help on the way, maybe the guard from the city. He will not do this quest alone, will he?
Author's reply
Aaah, wait and see. Let's find out what this elf can do.
scallywags · 7 September 2004 · Chapter 28: For Your Life
Yeah! Another chapter! Actually, I saw it the day it was posted, printed it and took it home so I could savor it with no intruptions. My goodness, this is getting -- intense all over again! I am continually amazed at how well you draw your characters and how -- real -- you make it all seem. I just fall into each chapter and there are no wrong words, awkward sentances, or not quite believable situations, conversations, actions, re-actions, thoughts, etc. to snap me back into reality -- not until the dreaded TBC. I am so impressed with how believable your Aragorn and Legolas are. They seem so real. They experience fear, anger and despair and then, through realistic thought processes and support from each other, make decisions to act as I could only hope I had the courage, fortitude or strength to if I were in similar situations. Goodness! After suffering extreme, bitting, numbing cold (my hands felt cold just reading about it) Aragorn decides his only hope to survive is to -- amputate! And not just for himself, but for his blind friend. He cannot allow himself to die as he is also condeming Legolas. Gad! Anxt to the max! Although, hopefully he cannot grasp the knife well enough to actually follow through. Well, you would not dare -- would you? And then there is Legolas, who had been in near despair over his handicap, raising to the challenge of going out into the unknown (not only cold and snow but who knows what evil lurks) even knowing his blindness puts him at a vast disadvantage, to search for his friend. To try to save him is worth the risk, even to his very life. Wonderful, wonderful stuff! Take as much time as you need to craft this marvelous story. No matter how long it takes I will be waiting to devour, then slowly savor, each chapter as it is posted. This story is so good I will hate to see it end (far in the future, I hope!). So don't let us impatient fans influence you. Just don't forget we are here - legions of us I am sure - all endlessly grateful for each installment. And you did, after all, leave us with a major cliff-hanger that simply must be resolved as some point -- but no pressure -- really! KUDOS! I love the anxt, the fluff, the warmth between the two friends, the good, honorable, heroic, decent, down-to-earth nobility of our elf and ranger, the cat, the horse -- and those mysterious people in the even more mysterious town!
Author's reply
Oh my. My head has turned into a big, ridiculous puffed up thing here. You provided a nice feast for my ego... thank you! I'm glad you like the strong friendship between Legolas and Aragorn. It's the foundation of the story, and from their devotion and love for each other emerge opportunities for bravery and sacrifice. The end is no where in sight yet, so if you desire this story to go on for some time, your wish is my command!
Thilwen · 7 September 2004 · Chapter 15: Search for Understanding
Hmmmmm! Interesting! I really liked it. I would certainly not consider this conversation between Aragorn and Legolas to be whining. We all find ourselves floundering, searching for the right path, searching for our courage when we've lost someone or something. I found myself thinking about how I would feel if I lost my hearing or my ability to walk or speak. Rats! Lunch hour is over. Time to go back to work. I would gladly offer a few thoughts about the blindness stuff, but I don't want you to think I'm knitpicking. I'll write those in a private e-mail if you really want to read my rambling. Keep up the great work! Thilwen
e_vrouw · 3 September 2004 · Chapter 28: For Your Life
Wow! This chapter was absolutely fantasitc. I'm in total shock. I can't believe Aragorn is considering cutting his own foot off. I know it might be necessary, but still...I don't think I could do it. I sincerely hope that either Legolas finds him, or he passes out (again) before he can start cutting. Having Legolas take Rhosgernroch with him was absolutely brilliant. I hadn't thought of that possibility. It reminds me of a conversation between Legolas and Aragorn as they were preparing for winter. If I recall correctly Aragorn wanted to set Rhosgernroch free but Legolas wouldn't. He said he felt that she would be needed somehow. He was right! I liked the fact that Legolas incidentally tracked a herd of deer. Things like that make the story come to life. Give it a sense of realism. The addition of the poem was a stroke of genius. Good luck, e_vrouw No Tithlam this chapter but seeing Legolas in action (sort of) makes up for that. ;-)
Author's reply
Yaay! I was really hoping someone would remember that old conversation. Legolas did indeed say they should keep Rhosgernroch, and this is exactly why. Carrying Aragorn home on his back would be too much strain, even for our brave elf. I liked Legolas veering off after a group of deer too. It's realistic. He's blind, and it should be hard work. And since I'm not one who can tolerate the idea of the trees saying "Hey! He's over here!", the elf must rely on his own skills. The forest murmurs and sings, and he senses the mood of the trees, but that is as far as I can go. Legolas will really be in action next time!
Alina · 2 September 2004 · Chapter 28: For Your Life
OMG!! What a chapter. Your description of Aragorn´s state of mind was truly gripping. The way you mingled hope with despair, memory with present pain was absolutely wonderful. And it is only fitting that Aragorn would contemplate cutting off his foot, his will to live is certainly strong enough. I just hope he doesen´t have to carry this through (not even partially). And Legolas? Truly brave of him to leave in search of his friend. It was a smart move taking the horse with him. I especially like that with all his strength and skill, he does make mistakes. It must be incredibly hard to track when you cannot see... But I trust you´ll guide the two friends back together. I´m looking forward to your next update, whenever you will get around to it. Don´t let stress get to you :-) Your chapters are well worth waiting for. Alina
Author's reply
Thanks. I really tried to get right the weird half-hallucination state that intense cold brings to its victims. Yes, Aragorn's will to live is very strong, and he knows how badly Legolas and Arwen need him. He's not going to give up without a fight. I'm happy you approved of Legolas' difficulty in tracking his friend. It should be hard for him.
OakWolf · 2 September 2004 · Chapter 28: For Your Life
YAAA!(combination of Yeah and AAA!)Legolas is on the hunt but Aragorn is about to become an amputee-AAAA!Nightwing whenever you post again I bet it will be as radiant(if not better) as this enchanting chapter-Yeah!
Author's reply
Oooh, I do hope so. I'm looking forward to my writing class, and getting all sorts of great advice and pointers. Go Legolas!
Valto · 2 September 2004 · Chapter 28: For Your Life
Lovely lovely and you leave us hanging again! Perfectly understandable about less updates! It's a total drag not having time to write, and I'm just as guilty about not updating all the time ;) Good luck with all your other stuff and I'll look for a new chapter eventually! Bravo again!
Author's reply
Thanks! I wish I could write all hours of the day, but we must make due with what time we have. I hope the cliffies aren't too terrible. I figured we were due for a few at this point.
daw the minstrel · 2 September 2004 · Chapter 28: For Your Life
I'm not sure I could cut my foot off like that. Self-mutiliation is pretty primitive and there's a lot of urge against it. Legolas was clever to use the horse. But then, he IS clever. :-)
Author's reply
Yes, the urge against self-mutilation is strong, bit I think the urge to survive is even stronger. Case in point: a young guy named Aron Ralston, who was trapped in a Utah canyon when a boulder rolled onto his right hand. After six days of what must have been unspeakable horror he twisted his arm to break the bones, cut through it with his knife and escaped. That took incredible strength. I think most people would have given up, and unfortunately I'm quite certain I'd have been one of them. I'd have just sunk down and died. Hooray for the resourceful elf! I'm looking forward to seeing what Legolas can do from this point on. He is going to be facing a lot of challenges.
Thilwen · 2 September 2004 · Chapter 9: Of Squeaky Cats and Swimming Holes
This is great! But first, would you mind directing me to the nearest cold shower? That description of Legolas... er... less than atired was quite... attention-getting! Besides that, you really have Legolas' and Aragorn's friendship down just right. I loved the humor in this chapter. Yes, blind people, or in this case elves, really can laugh and have fun! Being totally blind myself, I really appreciate the way you're handling this subject. Thank you soooooooooooooooo much for not turning Legolas into a helpless whiner. I've seen other authors do this, and it does *not make for pleasant reading. You portray Legolas' angst as he tries to deal with his blindness very well. Though I was born blind, I know of many others who have reacted in a very similar way to the way he is reacting. Oh, I was ready to hit Aragorn over the head myself when he told Legolas that he was not allowed to go outside a couple of chapters ago. Legolas reacted just as I would have had even a good friend told me the same thing! I can't wait to keep reading, so I will end this review now. Keep up the great work!!! In God's peace, Thilwen
Author's reply
Holy moly. For the first time since I started this story, I am terrified. And elated. A blind person is reading my story. Yipes, yipes, yipes. Out of my hundreds of readers - and I value them all highly - you have suddenly become the one whose opinion matters most to me. Forgive me... I see you are only on chapter nine. Legolas does get whiny. Terribly, horribly whiny and crybabyish and all sorts of tiresome stuff. I'm flying by the seat of my pants here, and this is how I have envisioned the long reaction to finding oneself suddenly blind to be. Many bad days, some good days, and a lot of adjusting and mood swings. I hope you get through it all right and stay with me. The main focus and long term goal is to demonstrate triumph over adversity. I cannot wait to see what the elf can do once he is no longer protected, and I pray the outcome pleases you. Please check in again when you get further along and let me know what you think. I've tried to do my research, and would appreciate any feedback you might offer. Thanks.
TithenFeredir · 2 September 2004 · Chapter 28: For Your Life
Oh, man, could you ratchet the tension up a little more?? Poor Legolas trying to track by feel, and he's brewing one of his monster headaches, Aragorn is about to saw his foot off... Your descriptions of the winter night and Aragorn's torment are so vivid. I selfishly hope your plate magically clears (but in a good way) and your muse takes you hostage! *Blessings on your kitty* TF
Author's reply
Ha! My muse does hold me hostage. This story is in my head 24/7. When I'm at work, rest or play, things are constantly churning. It's finding the time to sit and put it into words that is so challenging. Thanks for the validation.
Nymh · 2 September 2004 · Chapter 28: For Your Life
Wicked woman! What a dreadful place to leave us. But a beautifully written chapter; the imagery is so pure and evocative, I forgot the mechanics of letters and words, and felt, rather, that I'd watched it unfold. Good luck with the job, the hobbled kitty, and classes. :)
Author's reply
Thanks. When I have the time, I sit quietly and really get into trying to feel what the character is undergoing. Darned uncomfortable for me, since I don't write about very nice situations!
EllyBaggins · 2 September 2004 · Chapter 28: For Your Life
wow, wow, WOW! what a great ending for that chapter...can't wait for the next one! I just wanna give aragorn a BIG hug! bless him, lol. i have a really bad cold, in fact i feel like death warmed up (sob), but the update really cheered me up. Thanks! Hope Milo the cat will be all better soon :)
Author's reply
Do you like cliffies too? Good! I have a few more scattered here and there before story's end.
sofia · 2 September 2004 · Chapter 28: For Your Life
I hope Legolas finds him before Aragorn's leg is cut. Take your time... -sofia
Author's reply
I hope he does too. I'd better not take too much time, or the ranger will freeze to death or something.