Oh me, oh my!
Too, too funny, Nightwing. What a riot! I loved this. I predict this chapter's hit rate will be high because I plan on reading it several times. Whenever I need a pick-me-up, I'll pop in and read this chapter.
How did you like writing in the (nearly) dialogue-only style? It's different, isn't it? I think you did wonderfully with it.
I can't get this chapter-induced silly grin off my face. I guess I'll just have to look silly all evening long. And it's all your fault. :)
I'm pretty sure that, even without the wonderful, entralling backstory, that this was the funniest thing I have read in a long time. ^_^; Legolas and Aragorn making bread. Great job. I have tears in my eyes from laughter. "You and the dough conspired against me." Brilliant. I apologize for not having anymore to say -- this story is amazing and I adore it, this I assure you -- but I am having trouble typing because of the laughter. ^_^;; Superb job with this chapter, and I am looking forward to more of this story!
sol III
· 11 June 2004
· Chapter 24: Burnt Offerings
Oh, that chapter was a delight. It made me laugh so hard
the parrots joined in with me. Poor fellows, bread is
such a mysterious thing to the uninitiated, and it rather
reminded me of some of my efforts. I had an oven though.
Lucky me. Loved Legolas' revulsion at the feel of the dough
(I agree!) and Tithlam wisely evacuating her socks at
the first signs of dangerous insanity as well as the
deep contemplation of the mysteries of yeast. Scary stuff,
yeast. This whole chapter was great
I do enjoy your portrayal of their friendship, the give and
take, the meaningless bickering and intense loyalty that
illustrates it so clearly. Just wonderful.
I reread the early chapters of this the other day, and it's
left me wondering what the emotional climate is in Mirkwood
these days. Is anyone concerned that Legolas didn't come
back, or are they just as satisfied that he's gone? Just
curious as to whether his family is giving any thought to
how they've been judging him, now that they've had time
to think on it, and his whereabouts are currently unknown.
Poor Legolas :(
Thanks for sharing this.
Sayre
fliewatuet
· 11 June 2004
· Chapter 24: Burnt Offerings
Legolas was not the only one howling with laughter!
fliewatuet *still giggling*
Blaise
· 11 June 2004
· Chapter 23: In the Eyes of an Elf
Hey Nightwing,
I'm thoroughly enjoying this story...I was so sure that Tarnan had finally discovered Legolas' secret only to be saved by Aragorn's quick thinking and Legolas' great acting ability. I am glad that you did not end Legolas' blindness so quick and easily (as some had complained you do so), I love seeing Legolas struggle with his new condition both physically and emotionally; it really shows his character and Aragorn's as well. Aragorn is almost at as much at a loss as Legolas and his love and friendship are showcased well. I will add a comment to your A/N at the end about Orlando's nose. It's kind of ironic that you should choose his nose, according to the May 10th issue of People magazine, "The 50 most Beautiful People" Orlando Bloom actually possesses the "Most Wanted Nose." According to the president of the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, he has a perfect nose for his facial dimensions. I know you probably received many messages but I have to agree with you while staring at his gorgeous face...it does seem kind of crooked.
sofia
· 11 June 2004
· Chapter 24: Burnt Offerings
the writing style is different, but good. Good chapter. My favorite line is: "'A nice big chunk?' Sweet Elbereth…" that makes me laugh. Reading on how their trying to bake the dough is hilarious! And the little joke about sneeking up on the dough and drowning it in the river is funny. update soon.
-sofia
Ithildin
· 11 June 2004
· Chapter 24: Burnt Offerings
Oh my, that was hysterical! *wipes eyes and gets up off floor*
The Elf needed a good laugh – and as a matter of fact, so did I – so we are both better off for Aragorn’s baking disaster!
The part about Tithlam piling the socks near the door is just TOO funny!
"Where is Tithlam?"
"Gone out the cat door. And a good mouthful of socks with her."
"She moves her children to the safety of the barn. I am tempted to join her."
And the banter about them conspiring to sneak up on the remainder of the dough, then the dough fleeing from them in terror - LOL!
Thanks for a very enjoyable chapter. I look forward to each and every update.
Ithildin *(
LKK
· 9 June 2004
· Chapter 23: In the Eyes of an Elf
I'm sorry I missed reviewing the Winter Wonderland chapter in a timely manner. I think I was a bit overcome by the thought of headless mice lined up in a row at Legolas's bedside each morning. But I was glad to see Tithlam's return in that chapter. I missed her. She's my favorite four-legged character in all of the Tolkien universe -- his original universe or the ones fans have added on to combined!
I knew Alun wasn't the executed man. So glad to see I was right. You know how I knew? You had promised us that we would get to see Our Heroes bake bread (or at least attempt it). And how could they bake bread without yeast? And who would bring them yeast if Alun was dead, right? And you wouldn't lie to us about Our Heroes baking bread, would you???
Legolas should really tell Tarnan the truth. The boy is going to figure out the elf is blind. Everyone knows he will; Legolas knows it too even if he won't admit it to himself. Tarnan will be hurt that his friend kept the truth from him. Legolas should consider the boy's feelings in this. Does he really want to hurt the boy?
I laughed at Tarnan's happiness to learn that there are elf princes. I suspect he thinks they're his age. Young elves. He probably hasn't thought about the possibility of adult princes yet. :)
I was saddened to read that Legolas is once again falling into depression. It's understandable given that he doesn't have as much to do now that the weather has turned bad. But it still saddens me. Maybe trying to bake bread will help perk him up. Give him something to do besides mope. Why not let him try? In the next chapter, maybe?? (Can you tell I want to see them attempt to bake bread? :) )
On a final note, have I mentioned lately that I love this story?
Valto
· 7 June 2004
· Chapter 23: In the Eyes of an Elf
I, too, have tried to spend some time blind...I only last a few minutes! Bravo to you for lasting the day! I suppose it is different being born blind, but losing your sight must be frusterating indeed! In 4th grade, my class did a unit on what it was like to have a disability and some of our homework was to spend a few minutes blind. In class, we had a wheelchair donated by someone and we each got to spend a day in it. You get a new-found appriciation for the things we all take for granted.
Great chapter! :) And I can't wait to see Aragorn try to make bread!!!!!!!
LadyArwen
· 5 June 2004
· Chapter 23: In the Eyes of an Elf
Brilliant, as per usual.
*comes after you with sharp pointy things for making Legolas less than perfect*
No, no, I'm kidding. That slight imperfection only makes the rest of him more perfect, yes? :D
Alina
· 3 June 2004
· Chapter 23: In the Eyes of an Elf
Legolas has a crooked nose, huh? I certainly don´t mind, LOL
It was nice to see Legolas cheered up, and the scenes between him and the child are truly touching. I agree with Aragorn, though - Legolas should tell the boy about his blindness, and I hope he will at some point.
I really appreciate it that you have Legolas go through ups and downs - that getting used to his aflection does not take his unhappiness with it away. That makes the whole story even more enjoyable!
I´m looking forward to your next update.
Alina
Kitt of Lindon
· 3 June 2004
· Chapter 23: In the Eyes of an Elf
What happened in the dream? Well, for the life of me I cannot remember much now. But Legolas was riding Firestar. Aragorn, who was nearby, wanted to do something silly, as is in dreams. But I'll probably remember at some odd time.
Bah! An Elf with a crooked nose is nothing to an Elf with a beard, my Lord Círdan.
The description of Thranduil is lovely... hair of glittering gold... sapphire ice eyes... oh sigh.
It seems to me that it is only a matter of time before Tarnan discovers Legolas' blindness, if he has not guessed already. But then, I could be assuming too much.
Action soon, you say? Hopefully not so much as to endanger our wood-Elf. I think I'm asuming too much again.
daw the minstrel
· 3 June 2004
· Chapter 23: In the Eyes of an Elf
I have to admit I laughed when Aragorn said that making bread could not be that hard. It's not actually, but if you've never done it, you're likely to produce some weird stuff at first.
I enjoyed the tension over whether the boy knows that Legolas is blind. You have the readers seesawing back and forth trying to guess how much he knew.
fliewatuet
· 3 June 2004
· Chapter 23: In the Eyes of an Elf
Tarnan is a perceptive kid and I fear that the adults won't be able to keep Legolas' blindness from him for long. I also fear that Tarnan will be quite miffed when he discovers the ruse. That Alun has already heard of Thranduil also does not bode well, because I fear that he heard it from his enemies. And you promised action! I can't wait for that :) But first I wonder how Aragorn and Legolas will face the challenge of beaking bread! Aragorn's reaction to the sight of the dough makes me fear for my favourite heroes;)
e_vrouw
· 3 June 2004
· Chapter 23: In the Eyes of an Elf
Damn, I forgot to review last time.
Oh well, then this review is for both chapters.
First of, I'd like to say that I loved the previous chapter "White World". I love Tithlam and the entire exchange about her (still) stealing Aragorn's socks was wonderful.
I don't think putting a rock on the box is going to help though. Our cats are very good at finding ways to get what they want, and as Legolas points out:
"she seems quite passionate about your socks." :D
I like the way you keep putting little details into Aragorn and Legolas' life and then pretending they've always been there. Like the way Legolas and Aragorn talk about they're sleeping arrangements.
"No, I will sleep here, and I will take the straw pallet. It is time we switched again."
As far as I know this is new information for the readers but you have them talk about it as if it's always been that way (which it has for them). You give enough hints to the reader so that he or she can understand what things are like, without having to explain everything. Good job!
I know a lot of authors who haven't thought about certain aspects of their character's lives. Then when someone points those 'ommissions' out to them, they feel like they have to make up a cover-story or something. I'm really glad you're not one of those authors. You just go on with the story. Like it!
Love the fact that while Aragorn is describing the world visually to Legolas, Legolas can actually describe the world to Aragorn in a different way. It's almost as if they're living in two different worlds.
Now on to this chapter.
I'm getting pretty concerned about Legolas. He seems to be getting very depressed. Hopefully the arrows Alun brought will cheer him up.
I wonder how Tarnan would react when he finds out he's been deceived by Legolas. Legolas seems a lot more confident around Tarnan now then he was before, but that confidence could be shattered if Tarnan reacts badly.
Legolas is already pulling into himself, I don't think he could handle something like that.
This is really annoying: :$
On the one hand I hope Tarnan finds out because I can't wait to see how he would react. On the other hand I hope he doesn't find out because of how badly everything could turn out.
Damn... Well I'll just have to wait and see/read.
The way Legolas talks about his father and Mirkwood is very impressing. You can actually feel the tension between him and his father.
You're not gonna hear any negative comments from me about Legolas having a crooked nose. I actually like the idea of him not being perfect. It's much more realistic.
Though I can't really imagine a woodelf falling out of a tree. It doesn't feel right somehow.
I have very little hope for their breadmaking plans.
The best line:
"It grows," he warned, and grinned at Aragorn's sudden expression of fear.
:D :D :D
Don't keep us waiting too long.
e_vrouw
P.S. You told ConnJS1 you were glad you had a reader in Australia. Then I hope you're glad to have a reader in Holland. ;-)
Tithlam! Tithlam! Tithlam! Tithlam! Tithlam! Tithlam! Tithlam!
fadagaski
· 3 June 2004
· Chapter 23: In the Eyes of an Elf
Hooray for speedy updates! Hoorah for asymmetrical elves! Huzzah for good relations between Thranduil and Aragorn!
*claps* Lovely chapter. You've set some things up very nicely - where on EARTH would Alun have heard of the King of Mirkwood? Heh. Should try him on some older names like Oropher. See if he's heard of Galadriel. *cackle*
*sings* Moooooore Mooooore Moooooore!
Lyn
· 3 June 2004
· Chapter 23: In the Eyes of an Elf
This is my favorite story. Of course, I will always hope that Legolas
will regain his sight---even up to the closing of the last chapter!
Your skill is such that the scenes appear before my eyes and the feeling
induced is very warm and enjoyable. Thank you!
French Pony
· 2 June 2004
· Chapter 23: In the Eyes of an Elf
Oh, no, did Alun bring them a Herman starter? You are so cruel. Herman is a terrible thing. The cake/bread it makes tastes absolutely awful, and you can never get rid of Herman once you have him. Still, they have to eat, and I suppose Herman is better than starvation. Or maybe it isn't Herman, maybe it's just a regular sourdough starter. Yeah. That's better. Just regular sourdough, right?
That kid is going to catch on to the blindness pretty soon. Especially after looking Legolas full in the eyes. There's something about the eyes of blind people. Even if they're not clouded over, there's just something off about them. They don't focus quite right. Tarnan is a smart kid. If he can tell about the broken nose, he'll be able to figure out about his friend's little problem.
Figuring out about his status is another thing. I really liked the little exchanges about how well everyone knew Thranduil and how much the princes of Mirkwood would love Tarnan. Everyone's got secrets, and Alun and Tarnan are being really good sports about the whole thing.
OakWolf
· 2 June 2004
· Chapter 23: In the Eyes of an Elf
Awesome!Just awesome!Legolas's cover for his blindness is holding,love the way the adults try to convince Tarnan Legolas is normal.Incredible how Legolas can tell Tarnan broke his own nose just by feel,Very nice about Aragorn's memoires,those little bits help alot,Kudos!
Lossenchristal
· 2 June 2004
· Chapter 23: In the Eyes of an Elf
Hi! Somehow I missed when you posted the last chapter, so I got a double update when I saw this one. I loved this chapter!:)I especially liked the way Aragorn evaded Tarnan's question about Legolas's eyes. His answer was partly true anyway... remember Galadriel???;) And I don't mind the broken nose part;) I thought that Tarnan had found out, actually it would almost be a relief if he did, but this was humerous and relieving for Legolas I guess.:) Hmmm, I wonder if Aragorn and Legolas will figure out how to use the Sourdough starter...;) Please update again soon!:)
Namarië,
~Lossenchristal
Jay of Lasgalen
· 2 June 2004
· Chapter 23: In the Eyes of an Elf
Hmm - OB's only physical flaw? I assumed that would be the scar on his back from when he broke it. I never noticed anything wrong with his nose (and looked *very* closely at my posters!) This is sad for a 44-year old married woman!
I liked the chapter - but considering how bright the boy is, I think he'd realise Legolas was blind, however good he is at hiding it. The part when Aragorn and Legolas were talking about the 'elf king' was sad - I can just imagine how surprised the others would be to realise that this is Legolas's father!
Jay
sofia
· 2 June 2004
· Chapter 23: In the Eyes of an Elf
I like the end when Alun says the dough is growning, and aragorn is all afraid. It would be funny to see if Aragorn and Legolas can actually cook. Update soon.
-sofia
Valto
· 26 May 2004
· Chapter 22: White World
oooh! I was already to hit the "next" button and what do I find? This story isn't done!? Augh! I just started it the other day and I've been slowly working my way through and I must tell you that I LOVE it! :)
And all the snow makes me happy! and !angst! yay!
I am definitly looking forward to a lot more...
and I too was slightly disappointed in Troy although I cannot complain about the *coughnuditycough* which was...lovely..mostly on Orlando's part :-P
fliewatuet
· 26 May 2004
· Chapter 22: White World
Somehow this chapter had a feel like the calm before the storm. And the scene Aragorn witnessed does not bode well.
Kitt of Lindon
· 23 May 2004
· Chapter 22: White World
Or it could be 7 months early. Reading this made me want to go out into the heat.
That brutality is... scary. I do not envy Aragorn for witnessing that.
I dreamt of Legolas, Aragorn, and Firestar last night. Heh, funny how this story is invading my dreams.