rhiannon · 9 April 2004 · Chapter 18: You've Got A Friend
I am really enjoying your story and can't wait for the next update - especially if Legolas takes his shirt off again;)
To See A World by Nightwing
Reviews (782)
daw the minstrel · 9 April 2004 · Chapter 18: You've Got A Friend
Aragorn did violate Legolas's wishes about the archery. I wonder why. Maybe he thinks that Legolas can do better than he thinks he can, maybe by sound or something else? Surely he can't have lost that touch with his bow. There is a violinist in our local orchestra who is suffering from early Alzheimer's, and sometimes he can't remember where he lives. But he can still play complex symphonies. Maybe shooting a bow is like that for Legolas. I liked the connection between Legolas and the boy. They have a lot in common really. And what ARE the men planning? Legolas's reasoning seems sound to me.
Lossenchristal · 9 April 2004 · Chapter 18: You've Got A Friend
I really liked this chapter! I loved Legolas's conversation with Tarnan, and I laughed over Legolas's threat to shoot Aragorn in the *cough, cough*...;) Whoo boy! Aragorn went a leetle too far...:D I am eagerly looking forward to the next chapter! Please don't wait too long!:) Namarië, ~Lossenchristal P.S. I almost collapsed with laughter over your quick healing of Legolas at the beginning. Seriously, you almost had me believing that was your real chapter for a moment! I was like, "What?????? I want Legolas to be healed, but not that fast!!!!!" :D I will trust you to do it in a much better way in your own time...:) Thanks for sharing your story! It is one that I always look forward to updates on.:)
fadagaski · 9 April 2004 · Chapter 18: You've Got A Friend
Shucks. I finally get a clue, and it's the wrong flipping one. Just bloody typical. *sigh* Good chapter! For some bizarre reason I like the tension that sprung up between Aragorn and Legolas, though I hope it's resolved soon. Leggie really needs to gain back his confidence, which I'm presuming Aragorn realised. Of course, by warning against riding the stallion he's encouraging the opposite. Silly man. Tarnan is a good character! He's deep enough to be utterly believable as a part of Middle-Earth, but you don't take more words than necessary than giving him that depth. *applauds*
Alina · 9 April 2004 · Chapter 18: You've Got A Friend
And another great chapter - amazing how you pull that off. I guess Aragorn pushed a little too far here, even though with good intentions. It must be hard for Legolas to hit an unmoving target that makes no sound...I wonder whether Aragorn can persuade the prince to take on something that does move, he might be able to shoot it on sound. Well, we´ll see. I´m definately sorry for Legolas, but I am very (!!!!) thankful that you do not give him a "miracle cure". This makes the drama of your story all the more real. I love it. Alina
Lyn · 9 April 2004 · Chapter 18: You've Got A Friend
What can I say that hasn't been said before? Certainly a story to cherish and re-read. It gives me a good feeling to read as I can "see" and "feel" the characters. My goodness! I was laughing quite vigorously when I read what Legolas decided to do to Aragorn to pay him back for his impertinence. You have such a way with words! And I love the horses. If I were rich, I would own a horse with plenty of land to exercise him (or her). No stallions for me, though. I've seen them up close! Still, being on a powerful trembling being like that has to be one of the greatest thrills of being alive. You shoot a bow? Good for you! May all of your arrows fly straight!
Lindelea · 8 April 2004 · Chapter 18: You've Got A Friend
Actually, I kind of liked the neatly wrapped up ending, reminds me of my television watching days: Seriously maimed character recovers completely by the closing credits. And this line was classic: "and they all partied like lunatics even unto the ending of the world." But really, am glad to see more of this story. Not in the mood to write a serious review, tho. (Also out of time) Will have to try later. Thanks!
Theresa Green · 30 March 2004 · Chapter 17: A Tale of One City
I am beginning to guess how Aragorn and Legolas are going to be drawn into the conflict in the city. Is it possible that Alun is going to fall foul of trying to work for the Resistance at night and that the poor man will be arrested and imprisoned? Or worse? Or perhaps Legolas will want to travel to the city despite the risk to discover more about this army that is being assembled, potentially to march on Mirkwood. The plot thickens, Nightwing! I found your comments to your reviewers interesting too. I was aware that archery was one of your hobbies, so I didn’t doubt that you had researched the draw weight of a longbow. I remember reading somewhere that drawing a longbow was the equivalent of doing a chin-up using only one hand, i.e. very, very demanding! Still, I’m sure that Legolas has plenty of strength in those lean arms of his. Perhaps I ought to undress my Legolas muse and look at his shoulders just to check? Yes? And feel the muscles with my fingers? Purely for research purposes you understand! Oh dear, my Gimli muse has just shot me a threatening look so I suppose I’ll just have to take your word for it. And Canon vs Fanon vs Movies is a difficult one, isn’t it. It is all too easy to get confused about what is Canon and what isn’t. (I know I can never remember which chapter in “The Two Towers” sees Legolas and Aragorn play strip poker.) I seem to have drifted away from writing a sensible review here! I do apologise. So I will just add that I love the voice that you have given Alun. His vocabulary and phraseology make him distinct from Legolas and Aragorn. No mean feat, Nightwing! Well done, and I look forward to the next chapter!
Ithilien · 29 March 2004 · Chapter 17: A Tale of One City
I was just going to leave a review, but I stopped along the way to read some of what other folks have written, and had such a good laugh I felt I must comment. I really love your fans! Funny how many people interpret LACE in so many different ways. It gives me a great roaring chuckle whenever I think about the various interpretations, which really should not be a surprise as I always looked at Tolkien's essays as a sketch, not the gospel. I totally agree that the rigid view of elves and their sex lives (which some do indeed read to mean they abstain from sex once they have kids) is just too far-reaching. Seeing that elves could choose when to have children, I've always felt that was all the more reason for them to fully indulge in their sexual joys afterward. I know many a sexually active senior couple who don't give up just because they've gone on to higher levels of thought. But I'll stop there, because I could write a whole essay myself on just interpretting LACE. As for Mandos, I believe that very few instances are cited as to souls being returned to their true forms. Seems I recall something about it taking a long time for that to happen as well (sorry, I know I should look this up, but I'm just being lazy). In any case, the vision of it all makes Mandos' Halls seem not exactly like an endearing place to visit. Actually, it feels rather grim. I thought the Valar were about loving and forgiving. Anyhow, that's my take, and though I'm sure Tolkien meant to paint it as a place of healing and restoration, I see neither as being done toward betterment. At least not in any kind of a pleasant way. I loved the bits of info you gave us on archery. I do believe you know your stuff, and the next time I need any reference material, you will be my resource. I can't even imagine pulling a draw of 100 lbs., let alone the most whimpy child-weights. My admiration to anyone who participates in this sport has just doubled. As for the story, I think the info packed into this chapter was incredibly important. I love that you have a sorcerer. Just how much of a sorcerer is he is my question? Is he a Bregus kind of sorcerer, or a Saruman kind of sorcerer? Either way, I think he will reek havoc upon our friends. I'm looking forward to his appearance. And so the tension builds. We learn of the city and what has been building there over the years (Rasputin and his charms immediately come to mind). We learn of the menace that runs the place (kind of reminds me of Theoden and Wormtongue) and threatens our heroes just because they breathe. And we learn about an underground organization that secretly fights this nemesis (reminds me of some of the French Resistance and the Underground Railroad from various wars in recent history). Interesting combinations, and I'm looking forward to how it plays out. Most interesting of all though is how Legolas has made the connection between these people and certain events in Mirkwood against the elves. I think Legolas has chosen a bad time to go visiting over the mountains, as he appears to have landed in a rather inhospitable place. His salvation is looking more and more like a trap all the time. An intricate, complicated trap, sort of like the one Gildwas stepped into. Hmmm. That thought gives me the shivers. Ah, but keep it up Nightwing. I may have missed reviewing you of late, but believe me, I'm here, turning pages with trembling hands in eager anticipation of what you have in store for us next.
Theresa Green · 29 March 2004 · Chapter 16: Daydream Believer
I liked Aragorn drifting off into an erotic fantasy in this chapter. And having very, erm, enjoyable dreams about Arwen during the night. Two males stuck out in the wilderness, week after week – I’m sure that they would be missing all the comforts of home! ;-) It was also nice to hear Legolas’ bawdy song. Your Elf has a lovely sense of humour. I can still remember him waving the cat’s paw in farewell from chapters ago. And in this chapter I laughed out loud at his comment, “This tea smells like your feet, Aragorn.” The dignity with which the Elf bears the pain in his head and his tiredness is something I find wholly plausible and it adds a great deal to his character. Even when the pain makes him, as he says, “peevish”, he recognises the fact and apologies to Aragorn. That’s nice! The news that Legolas would be killed without question if he went to the city was a bit of a shock. I knew that Elves were distrusted, but I didn’t realise that the situation was that bad. And Aragorn’s life is also at risk. I can see why Alun advises them to stay put in their cabin. Thank you so much for this chapter, Nightwing. I enjoyed it, as is always the case with your writing.
fliewatuet · 29 March 2004 · Chapter 17: A Tale of One City
Sorry I haven't reviewed before, but I really enjoyed your story from the very beginning. Though there was little action (except for the beginning) the story is full of suspense nonetheless: the distant threat of the inhabitants of Cabryddin, the oncoming winter and the insecurity whether Legolas will every fully recover from his blindness. But what I love most is your excellent description of Legolas and Aragorn having to deal with such mundane tasks as preparing for the oncoming winter. In times of central heating and supermarkets one tends to forget what effort had to be made in order to survive that time of the year.
grimlock · 28 March 2004 · Chapter 17: A Tale of One City
Wow! What a great story! I read the first 10 chapters non-stop, had to break for dinner, then read the next ones. *g* It really grabs you, and refuses to let you think about anything else for a long while :) I like your characterization of both Aragorn and Legolas, and think you're also doing a great job on your OC's. Alun especially, since he has the most detailed personality, could just jump of the page. And your plot seems very well built. Also, if I'm permitted, I'd like to give my opinion on the drawweight for Legolas' bow. There is a book that describes all the weapons used in the film. It states that both Legolas' bows (Mirkwood and Lorien one) have a draw of 150 lbs. Lorien guards carried bows with a draw of 200 lbs, and experienced Men one of 140 lbs. (Just thought that might help) Please continue updating, it's a wonderful story! greetz and hugs, grimlock
Alina · 27 March 2004 · Chapter 17: A Tale of One City
Reading this story is such a pleasure - I can only repeat myself. Good to get some background information on the city, even though that does not bode well for them, especially for Legolas. I´m curious when they will get into contact with the less friendly citizens. Thanks for the great read. Alina
fadagaski · 27 March 2004 · Chapter 17: A Tale of One City
Damn, meant to ask - where abouts is this town? Can you point it out on a map for us, or is it situated in that fuzzy area just beyond Rhun?
fadagaski · 27 March 2004 · Chapter 17: A Tale of One City
*claps* Excellent chapter! You've truly set up the action and, dare I say it, I think I might have realised something to do with the plot! *gasp* (I can put Captain Oblivious - aka. Legolas - to shame with my inability to take a hint). So the two wizardy folks - Gildwas and Malcovan - are the Blue Wizards, Alatar and Pallando, right? *wheedles* Riiiiight? I'm going to take a stab in the dark and say that the foreign Captain is perhaps from Mordor or Umbar, and is a Black Numenorean? Oh I hope he is, because I would kill to see a show-down between him and Aragorn. Regarding your looong defence against Luthien (who's post I haven't read), I have to say that most of your arguments I agree with. You should make random points like that just for fun; it's refreshing to get a different POV on various canon and fanon related facts (or fictions, as the case may be).
Lossenchristal · 27 March 2004 · Chapter 17: A Tale of One City
I didn't think it was boring! I think it was a very interesting and well thought out history!:) I am glad that Alun is becoming more friendly with them, and I can't wait to see the boy(I just forgot his name!:( become friends with Legolas!:) Great story! Please continue soon! My only complaint is that I wish Legolas would get better soon!:) Namarië, ~Lossenchristal P.S. Wow, that was some cool info about archery! Great research! I never knew that archers were so strong!:)
e_vrouw · 27 March 2004 · Chapter 17: A Tale of One City
Love the chapter! There was a lot of information to process but you added funny comments at the appropriate times. That really helped to lighten the mood and prevent the story from becoming dull. Can't wait to see Tarnan meet Legolas. Though I wonder.... He still doesn't know Legolas is blind, right? Will Legolas try to hide it from him? Now THAT would be fun! Ramhar and Malcovan don't like elves, and have most probably (in my eyes) meet the elves of Mirkwood. Legolas is the prince of Mirkwood. Does anyone else see dangerous thunder clouds looming overhead? This chapter came very quickly. Hope you can keep up the pace. ;) Just an after thought: Where's Tithlam?? I really like that cat but she wasn't mentioned. Not even once! :(
Ithildin · 27 March 2004 · Chapter 17: A Tale of One City
I’m fairly new around here and I wanted to let you know that I’ve been enjoying your story. The plot is intriguing and grounded in realistic details. It’s fascinating watching how Legolas is learning to cope with his limitations and how Aragorn is learning how to aid his friend without being too overprotective. Simply *love* the little cat. Squeaky, indeed. The purrrfect touch! :) The descriptions of their preparations for winter are great. Most modern city-dwellers have no idea how critical such preparations would be for survival or how much work would be involved in making them. I’ll be interested to learn more about Malcovan and Ramhar and why they hate (or fear?) Elves so much. I shudder to think what these baddies might have in store for our heroes. Keep the updates coming, I anxiously await each one! *** I know this is off-topic for the review, but I wanted to respond to some points you discussed in one of your previous review-replies, I hope it’s O.K. to do so… On the subject of the Laws and Customs of the Eldar essay and elven sexuality – funny, I never got the idea that Tolkien intended folks to think that married elven couples quit having intimate relations after their children grew up. I think what he was simply saying was that after having a few children – they stopped having *children* – not that they stopped having sex. He explained how much more of the parents’ energy went into the developing child than with mortals – it’s not surprising they elected to limit the number of offspring. And the part about not living together – I don’t interpret that to mean that such behavior was the norm or that the split was necessarily ever permanent. No, I believe he was trying to explain that *some* of the Elves did this *some* of the time. Their marriage was strong enough that they could be free to enrich their lives and further their own development as a person even if it meant living apart for a time. They didn’t have to live together all the time to be happy together. I don’t interpret that to mean that the physical relationship ended. As you pointed out, Tolkien’s Elves were passionate people, and they loved passionately as well, but they had more control of their physical passions than humans. As immortals they had plenty of time, too, so delaying gratification was not a hardship. I personally don’t see anything in the LACE essay as portraying their relationships as cold or dull or distant. Tolkien seems pretty clear that his Elves were celibate when single and faithful when married, but that doesn’t mean that they chaffed under those moral standards. And as for all the sad, lonely Elves in the Halls of Mandos – I have a different take on that too. I think Tolkien was stressing that the Halls of Mandos were a place of quiet contemplation, rest and regeneration – lest anyone get the notion that it was ‘party-time’ in there. Most Elves probably didn’t stay long, and the ones who did probably had enough to work through to keep them from being bored. The only ones that I ever considered ‘sad and lonely’ would be the few that chose *not* to be re-embodied for some tragic reason. We each have our own interpretations and opinions on these things, I only hope I have communicated that the information in the LACE essay need not be taken as something that diminishes the vibrant, passionate lives of the Eldar. Ithildin (*
French Pony · 27 March 2004 · Chapter 17: A Tale of One City
Cool! A warship that sank in 1545, and the bows were still usable? Dude, that must have been an awesome find. Was that ship the Mary Whosiewhatsie? I can't remember if the second name is Jane or Celeste or something, but I know that one of Henry VIII's ships was the Mary Something, and she sank and it was a big deal. Ahem. On to the actual review of the actual story. "We have been isolated here a long time, and would welcome a fresh story." Truer words were never spoken. Yes, this chapter was something of an information dump, but it was a very welcome information dump, both for the information and for the presence of Alun and the mention of some of the other people living in the area. It's amazing how just one additional character can open a story up and give it a big breath of fresh air, and Alun came along in the perfect time for that. The Bad Guys have earned my undying hatred. You don't just leave a horse to die. That is Bad, Bad, Bad. If you must kill the master, make arrangements for the horse. Malcovan is interesting. He's a socerer, therefore one who deals in magic. There are a lot of more or less magical people running around Middle-earth, and they come in many flavors and sizes. Let's see. He's specifically called a sorcerer, so he's probably not one of the Istari/Wizards. Gandalf he wouldn't be, nor Radagast. I can't quite see him as Saruman. Alatar and Pallando don't seem to be in the vicinity. Best guess is that he either has a Lesser Ring of Power (I seem to recall some characters mentioning those through the course of Tolkien's writing) or he's a Rogue Maia, or possibly both. Maybe one of the unfortunate Kings who got hold of the Nine Rings, on his way to wraithdom but not there yet. I shall have to keep an eye out for him. Aragorn and Legolas have gotten themselves into a precarious situation, no bones about it. It's good that they have friends and that they spent all that time doing the (wonderfully detailed) preparation for the winter. But basically, they're in the same position Wladyslaw Szpilman was in -- trapped and dependent on friends to bring them food. Fortunately, they have good friends, including a little kid who will no doubt raise Legolas's sagging spirits. I think that, while they are not at all in an enviable position, they are nowhere near as bad off as they could be. I think they'll do pretty well. This was a good, satisfying chapter all around.
LKK · 26 March 2004 · Chapter 17: A Tale of One City
Oh, I don't like that foreshadowing at the very end there. Isn't it bad enough that you've made Legolas blind (apparently permanently)? Now you have to go and have a dark shadow momentarily rise up and separate Aragorn and him? To borrow a phrase from another universe: I have a bad feeling about this. Very informative chapter, Nightwing. It's not easy to keep a reader interested during long bouts of exposition. Exposition while necessary can sometimes be deadly dull. Yet, I was thoroughly intrigued by the political history of the city. Nice job on a difficult task! Finally, I just wanted to say that I get quite a kick out of identifying the real life sources of your chapter titles. I wish I was as clever about those things as you are. :-)
Kitt of Lindon · 26 March 2004 · Chapter 17: A Tale of One City
Bored? Nay! I love explanation chapters. Now I see how its all coming together. Right, glad you said that if a mortal can do it, an Elf can do it better. Fan fic authors seem to forget that about a lot of things. Your updates are becoming so frequent that it's hard to keep up. (not that I'm complaining) Your updates never fail in livening my day.
Firnsarnien · 23 March 2004 · Chapter 16: Daydream Believer
Ha ha! Oh my, Squeaky!? That was priceless! Poor Leggy! I continue to mourn for the loss of his sight, but he has truly adjusted well to his blindness. I think that is something only an Elf could do for their senses are better than ours. I love how his blindness has caused Aragorn to become his protector more than ever now. And those headaches, hmmmm, they give me pause for thought. Are they a sign of a deeper problem or are they a sign that his condition may yet change? Well, whatever the reason for the headaches, I still wish he'd get his sight back, at least by the end of this story. I'm loving this story and I find myself riveted to each chapter you post. So you've simply got to hurry and get the next one posted ASAP! :) I'll be waiting!
Alina · 19 March 2004 · Chapter 16: Daydream Believer
Hey, great to have an update - have to repeat myself, I love this story, especially its pace. Very well-crafted. I wonder when those superstitous towns-people will begin to pose a real threat. I´m sure you will reveal more soon (and give Legolas the need to use his bow at some point). Nice to see that you know a bit about bows - so many people who write about them don´t. A quick update would be much appreciated (no pressure intended...) Alina P.S. Just love the cat´s name :-))
e_vrouw · 19 March 2004 · Chapter 16: Daydream Believer
Hi, I absolutely love this story. Of all the fanfiction I've read, and I read A LOT, I think this story is the absolute best. This might sound strange but one of the things I really like about your writing is the way the title of the chapter is reflected in the story. There are too many authors who don't spend enough time thinking up logical titles for the stories and chapters. Some don't even seem to care and just number them. Giving chapters good names makes the story more accesible and it's easier to search for things you have forgotten. I really like Squeaky! I love cats and her behavious is very realistic, the way she always comforts and helps Legolas is very charming. It is exactly what my cats would do. But I also have trouble naming cats. The ending of "Daydream Believer" had me laughing for an hour! Are Legolas and Aragorn still gonna call her Tithlam or are they gonna switch to Squeaky now? Personally I prefer Tithlam because as Legolas says it shows more respect. I can't wait to see Legolas using his bow again. :) I hope Tarnan is gonna visit them soon. I would love to see the interaction between the boy and the elf. Hope your update soon!
Avon · 19 March 2004 · Chapter 16: Daydream Believer
I finally got around to catching up with this again. It's still very enjoyable - I enjoy the Aragorn and Legolas realtionship because it is close but not totally soppy. I also enjoyed the practicalities of them caring for themselves. Avon