fliewatuet
· 2 September 2004
· Chapter 28: For Your Life
Uh, oh, I don't envy Aragorn, no, not in the least. Unfortunately, what he is about to do seems the only logical choice that remains to him. Legolas had better hurry!
I loved the description of the night. The clear, star-speckled night sky only increased the impression of the deadly chill of that night. And the description of the moon as a scythe sent shivers down my spine! What a fitting image for that situation.
I know that it can be extremely difficult to squeeze writing time into a tight real life schedule (and to get the head free for the muses to talk), but know that I'll eagerly await the next update, no matter how long it takes!
fliewatuet
Author's reply
I went outside a few times this month to look at the night sky and find my descriptions. I wanted Aragorn to recognise similarities between his knife and what he was gazing at in his half-hallucination state, so that the thought would come to him that he had to cut himself free. So the stars looked like dagger points, the moon like a scythe...
French Pony
· 2 September 2004
· Chapter 28: For Your Life
Huh. . . a blind elf tracking through the snow using a seeing-eye horse. . . now that's one of the more fascinating images I've read in quite a long while. I'll have to keep it in mind when my brain gets overwhelmed by grad school textbooks that use phrases like "the dominant-hegemonical cultural paradigm" and take them seriously.
Seems to me that if Legolas or Aragorn could whistle or sing, they might benefit from it. Aragorn probably wouldn't, since as I recall, he's afraid that there are Bad Guys lurking somewhere. But Legolas, especially since he's more dependant on hearing than usual, might want to try a whistle. It carries better than a shout, and it can be disguised as the cry of a cute li'l woodland critter out for a winter stroll. I wonder how well horses smell. If the horse were a dog, she could track Aragorn. And she's doing a dog's work already. But I don't know if horses smell well enough to track like dogs can. Bet the cat could do it. She knows the smell of Aragorn (or, at least, his feet) well enough. But that'd be like . . . well . . . like herding cats.
I wondered when Aragorn would think of trying to chew off his leg. It wouldn't be the first time someone in Middle Earth had escaped from an unbreakable chain by leaving a bit of a limb behind. Unfortunately, he's made a late start at it. Amputation does require a bit of attention and dexterity, and I fear he is too frozen to make much of a go at it. Well, the least he can do is to get himself decently bloodied. Maybe Legolas or the horse will pick up the scent of the blood and be able to track him that way.
I wonder how he thought he'd be able to take care of Legolas with one foot missing. . .
Author's reply
The dominant-hegmonical cultural paradigm? Wow, grad school sounds just scintillating. Sheesh.
A whistle or a call is an idea. Legolas is afraid to yell, too, lest there are bad guys about, but I neglected to mention it. He could make a pretty convincing birdy noise, though. Yes, I'm afraid Aragorn is a bit too frozen to do a very good job of hacking off his foot. His fingers cannot grip, and this is probably a good thing. A legless ranger won't be able to do his job, after all.
fadagaski
· 2 September 2004
· Chapter 28: For Your Life
Brilliantly horrifying! I'm sat here in my seat begging Legolas to get a blimmin' move on so that Aragorn, bless his heart, does not have to hack his foot off. Utterly unexpected and wonderfully done.
Author's reply
Well, thanks! I actually feared it would be expected, so I'm glad I surprised you. Go, Legolas, go!
Bodkin
· 2 September 2004
· Chapter 28: For Your Life
What a point to stop!
Legolas to the rescue - I hope!
Author's reply
Me too!
LadyArwen
· 21 August 2004
· Chapter 27: Beware of Darkness
This was awesome... Legolas -will- find Aragorn, right? He has to! :)
LKK
· 11 August 2004
· Chapter 27: Beware of Darkness
I know how to find and save Aragorn! Send out Tithlam, the Search and Rescue Cat!
Legolas should get a tiny cup and tie it under Tithlam's chin like a St. Bernard's rum barrel. Then elf and cat can set forth. Legolas should tell Tithlam to go find Aragorn's socks in the outdoors. She'll be able to find them; I'm sure. Every so often, Tithlam can peep so that the elf will be able to track her. Together, they will find our lost ranger.
Tithlam, the Search and Rescue Cat, to the rescue!
Seriously though, I hope Legolas can find Aragorn quickly. Humans weren't made to withstand exposure to the cold for very long. I'm worried about him. :(
LKK
Author's reply
Cute idea. Tithlam is a smart little kitty, but I think this might be beyond her capabilities. Let's see what the elf can accomplish. He might just surprise himself!
e_vrouw
· 10 August 2004
· Chapter 27: Beware of Darkness
Hi,
I'm sorry I haven't reviewed in a while but I've been on a very long holiday. I almost wished I hadn't because I missed all the action it seems.
Finally their peacefull days are over!
Not that I WANTED them to be caught, injured or subjected to anything remotely angsty. **cough** **cough** ;)
First I'd like to say that when I read the past few chapters when I got back from holiday. (Which was in fact the very first thing that I did when I got home.) I was in absolute shock after reading "then the perilous path was planted". You chose a heck of a time for a cliffhanger and I actually feel sorry for all the people that didn't come late like me, who had to wait for the next chapter. GOOD WRITING AND TIMING!
I wonder what Legolas and Aragorn are going to do now that they've been discovered. It would be dangerous to stay in the cottage but they have nowhere else to go.
Is it me, or is Legolas somewhat arrogant about elves versus humans? He made a few comments these past chapters comparing the abilities of elves and humans and in my eyes he seemed kind of arrogant. But then elves really are better than humans. :)
The only thing that I would really like to see now is Legolas using his bow in actual combat. Legolas complains that he can only shoot stationary targets but I don't think that's true. Moving targets make a lot more noise than stationary ones. The only problem is that he can't use his bow when he's in the woods. He might hear where his opponent is, but he doesn't know if there's a tree or bush between him and his opponent. Still, I'm convinced that on an open field he can take care of his own.
It's finally cold enough for an elf to feel the cold. WOW!! Must be very cold then.
I loved the way you wrote the last part. When I'm stressed I always ask myself specific questions, just like Legolas is doing now.
Tithlam! I absolutely love the fact that Aragorn is talking to her. She really has become an important part of their lives.
Hope you update soon
e_vrouw
P.S. Did they know the terms: frostbite and hypothermia in those days? They seem kind of new to me.
Author's reply
No, no, it's not arrogance. I'm sorry if he comes across that way. It is simple fact... that's all. Elves are stronger and more resiliant and have heightened perceptions. Legolas is actually quite admirng of Aragorn, for being a descendent of the Numenoreans and having been raised in Imladris, he is more elf than man in many ways. But he is never quite going to be able to match them.
Yes, I agree that both frostbite and hypothermia sound too modern. I checked both words in my dictionary, and they were both seen in print for the first time in the 1800s. I prefer using older words when I write for LOTR, but forgot to do so here. It's my medical background popping up!
Lyn
· 9 August 2004
· Chapter 27: Beware of Darkness
As always, well written.
Just two typos:
dependent (not dependant)
another certainty about Aragorn (not certainly)
And, as always,
you are the master of suspense.
Author's reply
My dictionary gives both spellings of dependent as acceptable, but I think spelling it with the "e" is the more common. As for "certainly"... aargh! It makes me nuts. I will read and re-read and swear everything looks fine and read to submit, and yet the typos remain. My eyes just dance over them. And my beta missed this one too.
Thanks for spotting them, and thanks for reviewing.
Valto
· 6 August 2004
· Chapter 27: Beware of Darkness
Augh Nightwing! You're going to leave us there?! Aragorn all alone in the snow! :-O Please update soon or...um...I can't think of a scary threat, but be assured it's baaaad! :) Bravo on another great chapter
Author's reply
Yes, Aragorn all alone in the snow. Hmmm, methinks you really like it in your secret heart of hearts.
French Pony
· 5 August 2004
· Chapter 27: Beware of Darkness
Off goes Legolas the St. Bernard, sniffing into the night. . .
Sorry this is late and short. I've been traveling like a Ranger woman, visiting family in several states. Just wanted to let you know I'm still here.
Author's reply
Glad to hear it! I've had a busy summer too. Are you back home now?
Shaan Lien
· 4 August 2004
· Chapter 27: Beware of Darkness
Good as always, but unfortunately it only took me two minutes to read.
SouthWind
· 4 August 2004
· Chapter 27: Beware of Darkness
You have forced me out of lurk mode. I felt the need to tell you how very much I am enjoying your story. I am in awe of your ability to draw the characters, their emotions, motivations and actions, with such amazing passion, gentleness and understanding. I just love your Aragorn and Legolas. Their joys, pains, confusion, grief, and basic strength and humanity are so real! Each new chapter is the highlight of my week. This is really very, very good! Now that I have finally decided to register so I can post reviews I will try to give you more specific feedback when I can. Now I am going to take my printed pages of this chapter home to savor.
Don't worry about not being able to work on your story as much as you would like. It is worth waiting for and I will be here waiting, as patiently as possible.
Author's reply
Oh my. Thank you so much. Such lovely words. And I really, really appreciate you saying that you will be patient when waiting for updates. Some folks get impatient, but real life always makes demands, and the chapters can only come when time allows. I hope you continue to enjoy the story.
fliewatuet
· 4 August 2004
· Chapter 27: Beware of Darkness
Not good, this is sooo not got (I mean the events of your story, not the story itself -- that's still excellent!). Now Legolas has to overcome his fears, or things will go ill, both for Aragorn and himself. And I don't evny Aragorn, being stuck in that trap, out there in the deadly cold. Though I doubt that whoever set the trap is lurking out there. The construction of the trap and the cold alone are sufficient to kill a man ... if he is truly alone, which Aragorn is thankfully not.
Author's reply
So very very not good! But it's high time the elf quite moping about, thinking he cannot make a difference in someone's life. Or save a life. Aragorn had to do something to get him out of that house!
Alina
· 4 August 2004
· Chapter 27: Beware of Darkness
Yay, a new chapter!!! :-)
I know well how real life can interfere with writing and I´m very happy that you keep the story going. It does not feel "ripped" at all, even when the update takes a little - kudos to you! I hope your kitty gets better soon.
Oh oh, Aragorn is in real trouble now. I loved the way you had him stay calm and then finally "snap" when he realized that he had no chance of saving himself. I keep my fingers crossed that Legolas will find him before anybody else does. If he manages to help his friend, it will do his self confidence good, or so I hope, but life will get tough with Aragorn wounded or sick.
I continue to love your tale and I´m happily awaiting your next update!
Alina
Author's reply
Milo is getting along well. He still has the cast, but is adjusting nicely and galloping around again, thunmping as he goes. He's a resiliant little dude. Hopefully the cast can come off in two weeks.
Yes, I figured Aragorn had to lose it. He remained calm as he tried to work it out, but what with the dark and the cold and the blind elf waiting for him, once he realized he was not going to get free, I think panic, even for such a man as Aragorn, was a true and honest reaction to his predicament.
sofia
· 4 August 2004
· Chapter 27: Beware of Darkness
hopefully with all the noise Aragorn is making Legolas may be able to find where he is.
-sofia
Author's reply
It would help! We'll see if he can keep yelling long enough...
daw the minstrel
· 4 August 2004
· Chapter 27: Beware of Darkness
Oh excellent. I want to see Legolas rescue Aragorn. It would be great to see him do this even though he's blind. It would help his confidence and Aragorn's confidence in him.
Author's reply
Right on both counts. The elf really needs to get his confidence back, and what better way to gain it than in learning that even if you are blind, you can save a life?
And here I am, following your example on how to handle reviewer responses more easily! Thanks for the advice.
OakWolf
· 4 August 2004
· Chapter 27: Beware of Darkness
AAAAAA!How can you leave it at that?!Nightwing,my word,every chapter is getting more intense(excluding the baking fiasco;))please post soon,I dont think I can wait very long!(Hugs Legolas Action figure)
Author's reply
Keep hugging. I've got my Legolas action figure, but he's blundering around a bit at the moment. He'll get there though, never fear. Hang on.
Zinnith
· 2 August 2004
· Chapter 26: Then the Perilous Path was Planted
Hi. Just thought I'd say I've read this story for a while and that I like it. (I'm a shameless lurker, I know. I will probably be terribly punished for it some day). And my cats are squeeking too...
elf-girl
· 27 July 2004
· Chapter 26: Then the Perilous Path was Planted
Wow! what a great chapter. This is one of the best story that I ever read!!!
please write more.
Bye.
Your Spanish friend.
elf-girl
· 27 July 2004
· Chapter 23: In the Eyes of an Elf
First I want to tell you that English is not my native language,I am from Chile, South America so this review would be a little bit strange.
Your story is really good!!! I like very much the chapters of Tarnan and Alun but I think it is time for Legolas to tell Tarnan the truth about his eyes.
I am a great fan of The Lord of the Rings but I already read the 3 books an saw the 3 movies, and, I always wanted more to read and there are a lot of great stories here.I really want to tell you more but I'm not good enough in English.
Bye!!! (and sorry if there are any mistakes)
Timmy2222
· 25 July 2004
· Chapter 26: Then the Perilous Path was Planted
OK, now they both are in serious trouble. And since Legolas is hit by those headaches again and knows that Aragorn has set his traps further away, there will be not easy rescue for the ranger to come. So, either Alun shows up again, or Aragorn must find a way to free himself. I truly wonder why anyone planted that trap...
-T.
Timmy2222
· 25 July 2004
· Chapter 25: Moonflower
Now this was heart-wrenching... Poor elf again, you really bring him to the brink of not wanting to live anymore.
But your writing goes into epic width, and though it is enjoyable I wonder where the real plotline will be followed again.
-T.
Timmy2222
· 25 July 2004
· Chapter 24: Burnt Offerings
I knew it was going that way... Laughed myself silly though this piece, too, can never be considered as approved by Tolkien. Right now Legolas and Aragorn are kind of disgracing themselves with their actions.
I hope poor Aragorn won't catch a flu due to the permanent demands of his friend to bath in the pond.
T.
Timmy2222
· 25 July 2004
· Chapter 23: In the Eyes of an Elf
I wonder if the boy was just polite by not telling Legolas that he has already noticed his blindness...
And I laughed heartily at the fact to have someone bake with yeast, who has never done it before. As a decent baker myself my imagination was running wild watching a ranger in his kitchen as he tries to bake a bread... with at least the half of the yeast Alun brought with him. See him gape in wonder at the balloon rising over the bowl's rim. LOL!
But I think that Aragorn would not share his worries and thoughts with Alun. They do not know each other well enough, and the ranger is quite a reserved personality.
- T.
Timmy2222
· 25 July 2004
· Chapter 22: White World
I still like following the story and will go on as time permits, but this chapter left me with the question: What was your goal? That Aragorn does not like the winter might be right, but it does not add to the plot. So the only important thing was the murder of that soldier Aragorn watched. I will see where this leads to.
- T.