To See A World by Nightwing

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Delrauko · 12 October 2006 · Chapter 24: Burnt Offerings

I had a bad day at school today, so I came home and started to read this story. I read this chapter and couldn't help but laugh. The part at the end about the yeast sprouting legs was particularly amusing. Thank you so much for making me laugh and smile again. You really helped to lift my spirits. :D Delrauko

Nel · 30 September 2006 · Chapter 43: Love is the Answer

This is possibly the best LOTR fanfic I've read, and certainly the best in over a year! I've just read the whole thing in one sitting; it's brilliant. Was dismayed when I realised it wasn't finished and I'd have to wait for the rest! I love your characterisations, and your writing is just utterly fantastic. I really hope you update soon! All the best, Nel

Author's reply

Wow! Gosh, all in one sitting! I wish it could be written as quickly as it can be read. I hope I'll update soon too. I'm afraid people are getting fed up with waiting for me. More is coming, but I'm battling RL fiercely for free time to devote to this story.

Lethe · 29 September 2006 · Chapter 43: Love is the Answer

Absoloutly worth waiting for, but they all are. I can find no words excpet the inevitable paen of '' more! '' As an aside, since I read about the sock stealing cat, almost at the precise time, my mothers puppy began stealing socks, and is still doing it. He knows it is wrong, so he sneaks them. When I first saw him do it I was transported straught back to this story.

Author's reply

My old calico Maji is the guilty party in my world. She has been pilfering socks from our laundry baskets and wandering the house with them for years, and serves as the model for Tithlam.

Muinthel · 26 September 2006 · Chapter 43: Love is the Answer

....did you get my mail???????

Author's reply

Hello! Yes! I will try to get back to you this week. Real life is being absurd right now. Hope all is well with all your boys!

Elwen · 16 September 2006 · Chapter 43: Love is the Answer

I thought I had lost this story but came hunting for it. Glad I found a couple more chapters. I have been enjoying this tale immensly and look forward to more. (I've saved it to my favourites so I can keep checking or simply re-reading.)

Author's reply

More is creeping along. I manage to write about one word a day on the next chapter. Dreadfully slow progress - I need to have a fit or something, to gain possession of this computer from my family for more than five minutes at a time. Aaargh!

Muinthel · 27 July 2006 · Chapter 43: Love is the Answer

hey it`s me! thanks for the great chapter! everything ok on this side of the world! Muinthel

Author's reply

Hey! How delightful it was to hear from you. I'm happy all is well with your ever-growing family. My goodness, I wonder how you can find two minutes for reading fan-fiction! Those boys must keep you very busy. Do you still dream of Aragorn, or do you now just wish for enough sleep, and are too tired for dreams?

WindSinger · 19 July 2006 · Chapter 43: Love is the Answer

The wait was worth it! Aragorn has finally found Legolas, Legolas knows Aragorn is alive and they are together! Perfection! (Of course I know they will not just be able to walk out but they are together, which makes everything OK). I also love that Legolas did not believe Aragorn was actually Aragorn. He was, after all, sure he had witnessed his friend's death. He also knew one of his captors was a sorcerer in league with Sauron. He could not SEE Aragorn and had absoutely no reason to believe there was any chance he was alive. He was trussed up and expecting the sorcerer at any moment to commence some type of torture. Perhaps the torture was to make him believe Aragorn was, indeed, alive; using that belief to more completely attack his mind/spirit/soul. Very believable -- excellent job of fitting all these pieces together. And I just love that of all the things Aragorn could have chosen to verify his identity he used Tithlam's habit of stealing his socks. Which reminded Legolas, as well as your readers, of the intensely caring, trusting, quality time the two had experienced over the winter. And Koryon has finally (I think?) committed himself to aiding those fighting to free his city of the evil he had tried to justify serving. Very nice character studies! I was wondering if Legolas will ever be able to discover the real truth behind why his father is accused of killing R----'s (sorry, don't have the name in front of me) family. It sounds as if maybe Thranduil had just discovered them and was checking for signs of life. But unless Legolas actually makes it back to Mirkwood before the end of your story I am at a loss as to how he will be able to clarify what actually happened. Very, very nice! Take whatever time you need with each chapter. I am more than willing to wait a few months for a chapter, just as long as I know one is coming and that the story has not been -- gasp! I shudder to even allow this thought to form -- abandoned! Hope 'real life' is treating you well --- WindSinger Shirley Wilbur

Author's reply

Hello again! I was a bit surprised when Legolas reacted violently to Aragorn's appearance. I really had not planned that, but out it came. And of course the sorcerer would not know about the cat stealing Aragorn's socks. Legolas had to realize it really was his friend. More to come on Ramhar. I think when someone turns to evil, there is usually a reason behind it. That is not to say that the evil can be justified or excused, however. No abandoning planned here. It's too fun.

Ridleyfan · 18 July 2006 · Chapter 43: Love is the Answer

Oh Brill, brill, brill!!! A new chapter! I am so glad you are sticking with this story and updating when you can. I loved the tense and gritty re-union between Aragorn and Legolas. There were so many nice touches to this chapter, including Aragorn being saved by that darned cat! The humour is still there, of course, particularly with the exchange over the foul concoction that Aragorn offered Legolas to drink. One wonders precisely how the Ranger knows what Warg's piss tastes like...... And now everything is kicking off in the city, and they still have to rescue the poor lad held hostage. It looks like there are plenty of thrills still to come. This story is nothing short of a masterpiece; thrilling, touching, sad, funny -a fantastic roller-coaster ride, an epic drama, yet so sensitively written and the characters beautifully portrayed. Even if it takes FIVE years to finish it, it will be worth it!!!

Author's reply

Brill? I'm wondering if you are British. Oh, Aragorn most certainly does not know what warg piss tastes like. Blech! That was a remark Alun said when he handed him the drink - that it smelled like it. I am glad you are enjoying the story! It ain't over yet, though I do plan a slow descent to the end.

Linda Hoyland · 17 July 2006 · Chapter 43: Love is the Answer

I'm so happy to see Aragorn and Legolas reunited. It was clever of Aragorn to mention the socks !

Author's reply

I thought so too. It was a sure thing to catch Legolas' attention, and he would realize that the sorcerer could not know about the cat and the socks.

Bev · 17 July 2006 · Chapter 43: Love is the Answer

OH. WOW. YES! Aragorn and Alun have entered the building. I had feared that Ramhar might be in a next room, ready to pounce...thank goodness he was nowhere around. I loved that Legolas was still full of fight and was not going to go down easy. This is going to be a long night...hopefully there will be many who will fight against the evil. Oh..poor Legolas...not able to recognize Aragorn by his voice or walk. I'm suprised he didn't recongnize him from his smell....ha. I'm sure he was complely overwhelmed. It was a sweet reunion. I look forward to each and every chapter you post. I wouldn't THINK of abandoning this story...no matter how long it takes. You take your time and know that we will be here....anxious, but waiting non the less. I wish all the best for you and your family. As always...Peace. Bev

Author's reply

Aww, why does everyone think Aragorn is stinky? Poor guy! Must have come from that orc in the movie saying he smelled "man flesh", and Pippin immediately knew it was Aragorn. He's got a rep he cannot shake now. More to come!

Socket · 17 July 2006 · Chapter 43: Love is the Answer

Oops, I posted a review for the PRIOR chapter here. Sorry! (Not that I take anything back, except this chapter does have the Great Reunion Scene.)

Author's reply

Yaay for the reunion!

Socket · 17 July 2006 · Chapter 43: Love is the Answer

It's always wonderful to see a new chapter in this wonderful story. And thank you for assuring us that you will finish it. I guess you're going to make us wait a bit longer for the Great Reunion Scene. But I'm sure it will be worth waiting for. BTW, you're one of the best action writers I've read in any fandom. Perhaps your only equal is M.N. Theis's The Tower of Echthelion. In any event, thank you for sticking it out, and I eagerly await the next chapter.

Author's reply

Oh my goodness - I've been floating for days since I received this review. I cannot compare to Maggie, she of the sentences that send me crashing to my knees in raptures - but it was certainly nice to read. Thank you.

WindSinger · 17 July 2006 · Chapter 43: Love is the Answer

Oh my gosh! I worked on a review this weekend with the intent to get it off to you before work demands too much of my time and -- YEA -- here is another chapter! I can't wait to get home to savor it. However, as usual, I am behind the curve with my reviews so I will get this one off and then, hopefully, another one when I have read the latest chapter (the reason for my lack of reviews is hidden about mid way down). I absoutely, positively love "To See A World"! If pressed I think I would say it was my all time favorite LOTR fan fiction. It is certainly on par with the best of the best, but seems to speak to me more than any other; although I am not sure why. It is very well written, the characters well defined, multi-dimensional and believeable as is the story/plot. But beyond that, I think what holds me enthralled is a bsasic strength, honesty, and truth that defines your Aragorn and Legolas. They have a deep, easy, unshakable friendship that does not wallow, wail, hamper or trivialize. Somehow you manage to show that both Aragorn and Legolas have strong values, purpose and grounding that is, although strengthened by their friendship, not defined by it. Legolas is shaken by what he believes is his friends death. And although he would like nothing better than to seek revenge, he is still his father's son, a warrior and a prince, with responsibilities to his family and his people. His grief, while real and deep, does not destroy who he is or his sense of purpose. Aragorn, on the other hand, wants/needs to go to Legolas but, again, is able to keep his head about him. He is still rooted in reality. Somehow you have been able to give your Legolas and Aragorn the strength of character, sense of honor, purpose, compassion, passion and -- humanity -- that few other authors have managed. They are who we would like to be. You also do evil, nasty and insidious extremely well. Which is why I started stockpiling chapters without really reading them about last November (just after the trap closed around Legolas). If this had been a novel I would have skipped ahead, just to ensure everyone I cared about had managed to come through the crisis still upright and breathing. Even if they didn't survive I would then have my defenses up and be able to go back and deal with whatever nastiness they were delt. I know you wouldn't really kill off Legolas but the trap you devised for him was just so -- good! Ramar and Malcovan were a bit too realistic and believable for comfort. Their ability to twist and deform the truth with such ease and success started to make me nervous. I was going to wait until Legolas discovered Aragorn was alive to catch up but found myself unable to wait any longer. So yesterday morning I settled in with a glass of iced coffee and, once again, lost myself in your story. And I am so glad I did! Yea! Not everyone in Carbrydden has been taken in by Ramar. I just loved Koryon's grandmother and that she was friends with Gildwas. Even Koryon's inability to free Legolas, to act on what his heart is telling him, rings true. All the bits and pieces are starting to come together. And Alun is not only alive but able to give Aragorn news of Legolas -- and is preparing to try to free his city of the evil taking root -- YES! And Tithlam and Rhosgernroch not only survive but are able offer some comfort to Aragorn. And I bet young Tarnan will soon re-discover, in case he allowed himself to be taken in by the trap laid by his evil advisors, who his true friends are. Oh, this is just so good! Now that I am caught up I will try to stay a bit more current with my comments. Kudos! And, again, thank you SO much for sharing your singularly wonderful vision of Middle Earth and my favorite ranger/elf duo. WindSinger Shirley Wilbur PS - As always I am also very much enjoying the hurt/comfort aspects of "To See A World". Sigh -----

Author's reply

Wow, I'm left rather speechless here. Blushing, really. I have put a lot of thought into the inherent nobility of both Aragorn and Legolas. I do not think that they are perfect - no one is really able to be that; "perfect" is an elusive trait and open to too many interpretations - but I do believe that both charcters are motivated by a certain moral strength, and, dare I say it, purity. They are not innocent, but in Tolkien's writings, it is very clear that Aragorn is an exceptional Man. And it is very unlikely that he is any less particular in his choice of friend. I am also a sucker for hurt/comfort. As close as I can get to writing slash.

sofia · 17 July 2006 · Chapter 43: Love is the Answer

I know how hard it is to update regularly but I must say, you make up for it with your long chapters! Yay their reunited! "Reunited and it feels so GOOD"... Good chapter. I hope the next chapter will show them escaping (hopefully)without difficulty. But if that happens then it would seem a bit anticlimatic.... to me at least.

Author's reply

"Escaping without difficulty"? Bwahahahaha! I like your sense of humor.

jmcg · 17 July 2006 · Chapter 43: Love is the Answer

Woman, even if it is four years, I will be checking everyday for the update! You are amazing. It's the little details--the fact that the Alun's men had been debating on action, but hesitant until pushed; Alun wanting a smoke at the inopportune time; Aragon coughing in the corridor from the smoke damage--it is all so well drawn--so realistic. With a few words, you make characters more real than so many with pages of description! Hang in there in real life, and thanks so much for the glimpses into your gifted imaginary one! JMcG

Author's reply

Well gosh! Thanks much. I do love description, and I sometimes worry that it is not my strong point.

French Pony · 16 July 2006 · Chapter 43: Love is the Answer

Ah, it's good to see this story again. I was at a singing yesterday where we sang the hymn with the line "I see a world of spirits bright. . . " and I thought about you. I am so glad that Aragorn has finally found Legolas. Traumatic as the reunion was, it has given both of them a surge of new hope. And I loved the mention of Tithlam and the socks. How perfect a way of identifying Aragorn! Speaking of which, I do hope that Tithlam herself is all right, wherever she is.

Author's reply

Hi FP! Yes, both elf and ranger are strenghtened by their reunion. I liked the sock utterance too. My cat Maji helped me with that. I was sitting here trying to think of what Aragorn could say that the elf would instantly realize was not something that the sorcerer would know about - when I heard a strange meowing coming from the other side of the house. I knew Maji had picked up a sock and was bringing it to show me. She really does steal socks and travel the house with them, and when she came in and dropped one on the floor, I yelled "that's it! The socks!" Bless our pets, they give us such good ideas! Oh, Tithlam is fine. Last chapter she was with Aragorn, and is hanging out in the cave of Arath the hill-man.

ArcherGal2932 · 16 July 2006 · Chapter 43: Love is the Answer

Ah....now that is better. At FFnet I was wondering exactly at what your title meant...but now it makes perfect sense with the remainder of the chapter. But that's definitely interesting, how the other site left off at a relatively good place to finish a chapter. Not a good place, however, from the reader's point-of-view. Your writing, as always, is wonderful. I marvel at your taste and ability to create a scene such as this, and it boths inspires me but worries me in my own writing. ;) Will I ever be able to write as well as you??? lol Keep up the lovely work, I look for more soon! ~ArcherGal2932

Author's reply

Love is the Answer: "Mind Games" is one of my favorite John Lennon songs, and one day when I was listening to it, it prodded me to make use of that line. Oh, you are no different than me and every other writer out there. I'm always looking at the works of Ithilien and Lamiel and Jasta and Thundera and Nimue and Indigo Bunting and Maggie Theis and whimpering at how brilliant they are, and how I am just a pathetic wannabe creeping after them, kind of like Gollum stalking the Fellowship. But you know what? They surely have their moments of self-doubt too. Try not to compare! Just keep at it, and don't let it stop being fun.

Mandy · 16 July 2006 · Chapter 43: Love is the Answer

Another good chapter. I'm afraid I'm one of your "vanishing reviewers," but I check regularly for each new chapter. Don't let our silence deter you; I suspect quite a few people are following this story!

Author's reply

Yaay, that is good to know!

mithwen · 16 July 2006 · Chapter 43: Love is the Answer

Thank you for another wonderful chapter. I only found this story; hm…one year ago perhaps…and it took some time even then before I read all of it… But one day I read Chapter Twenty-Four: Burnt Offerings… (Say no more) That is still my favourite chapter, and after that I added this story to my favourites. Don’t worry if it takes you time to finish it…I suspect many are devotedly following it no matter haw long it takes.

Author's reply

Oh, Burnt Offerings! I did have fun writing that one. It sure came more easily than all the trauma and captivity and angst. Maybe my next story will just be humor. And considerably shorter too.

Ireth · 16 July 2006 · Chapter 43: Love is the Answer

Always well worth the wait!!!!! Is it really three years?? It doesn't seem that long! Thank you for posting this amazing chapter, I really worried for Legolas' life....but they are together again, and Legolas knows Aragorn is still alive, he must have felt such despair, thinking Aragorn was dead. And fighting for love is always worth the effort. I hope life finds you well, and also your family. I will wait for as long as it takes for more of this great story. I'm glad you said you will finish and not abandon this and I will be here to read!! Have a nice summer and hope to read you soon. Ireth

Author's reply

It sure seems like three years to me! Different perspectives, of course. The writing of this story has been a huge effort, and it tires me sometimes. But I continue to love it, and that is a positive sign. I'm still having fun.

TithenFeredir · 16 July 2006 · Chapter 43: Love is the Answer

I loved your imagery in this chapter, things like the eye on the flag seeming to look to and fro as the flag flapped in the wind, the creaking branches of the tree and the rustling of last summer's old corn in the keep's garden plot. Those details pull the reader completely into the tale. It it is so good that our heroes are reunited! The way you softened the drama of their meeting with those bits of humor- the socks and the horrible drink- balanced things nicely. Also the humor was from previously existing elements of the story, not random silliness. Although Legolas' initial reaction was completely understandable, the way you wrote it made it as startling to the reader as to Aragorn. I really liked it that despite all he had been through Legolas was fully capable of snapping a man's neck, and also that he was still fighting. This story is completely worth any wait for updates. I certainly understand the demands of RL--especially as it also has me by the throat, now with no end in sight. I am so glad as well as grateful that you are determined not to abandon this story. It's really exceptional. Blessings on you and yours! ~TF

Author's reply

I'm glad you liked the imagery in the first part of the chapter. I confess to being really impatient with that section, as I was so anxious to get to the rescue and reunion. Once I had worked out most of the reunion, I went back to the first bit to flesh it out a bit more. I seriously almost omitted the whole thing. Start of chapter: "Aragorn found himself crouched outside the door to the prison..." But that would have been a major cop-out for me, so I made myself sit down and do it properly. I was quite startled myself when I wrote Legolas' violent reaction, as it was not what I had in mind originally. Sometimes the characters have their own ideas about what they think should happen, and I find myself just having to get out of the way! Yes, the elf is still strong and able to put up a good fight. It takes a lot to bring him down - one reason we elf-girls swoon over him, I think. If he and Aragorn were big crybabies, we'd all be writing (and dreaming) about someone else!

Alariel · 16 July 2006 · Chapter 43: Love is the Answer

Good gawd almighty ... ALL the Valar ... Toto ... and ALL Aliens, big and small, short and tall, who may be listening ... Sorry, but I do go on a bit when my knickers are in a knot!!!! I forgot which of my five email accounts and passwords I used when I became a member here. I knew that I would hit the right combination at some point, so I just kept right on poking at the keys. Aaaaaarg! Much nicer site and more user friendly than YOU KNOW WHO! Hey, I thought the first version of your story was fine. I just thought it had a good cliff hanger ... What do I know? Yes, the second version was more fulfilling. If I was Legolas, when I realized that the human in front of me was my dearest friend and brother and who was alive, I DON'T CARE ... I would have kissed him right on the lips! They do that in Italy don't they? Anyway, and more seriously, and to the point, as usual you were able to maintain what I call a "true emotional level." It did not sound contrived at all. It was exactly how we would expect YOUR Legolas and YOUR Aragorn to think, feel and act. It is so wonderful that after all this time (No did intended) that your characters stay true to themselves and the story they are in. Some writers write stories to see if they can make you cry (or gag - sorry) and then there are those writers, like yourself who are true storytellers and who get their readers to immerse themselves into the story so we feel what the characters feel, see what they feel and cheer them on as if they were right in front of us. You have a talent and I stand by what I said before that if it takes you 10 years to finish this story, I will be there at the end with tissue in hand to welcome our heroes home. Keep on keepin on ....

Author's reply

There you are! I'm glad you came over here to find the rest of the chapter. I think men do kiss in Italy. My ex-boss travels to Italy regularly to meet with a colleague, and they always used to kiss upon meeting at the airport. My boss was really not comfortable with it. Finally the Italian guy caught on to the fact that the kissing really squicked his American friend, and they agreed to stop doing it. Now it's just an embrace, and no doubt a quick one at that. I'm glad you think the emotion between my characters is real. I have read some very overwrought stuff out there as well, and it's pretty difficult to swallow. It can be hard to find the right amount of tears without going too far into total blubbering, but it is also important not to shrug off the need for real depth and go for the flippant when it is inappropriate. A certain "you're late" scene in the movie comes to mind...

Robinscat · 15 July 2006 · Chapter 43: Love is the Answer

I was so glad to see an update. And as always, it was worth the wait. Thank Elbereth, they are together again. And nicely done, the right mix of actions and tenderness. You are a genious. I will always be here, waiting for your updates in your own time. How is your daughter? She is well, I hope. Thank you for sharing your gift. Robin

Author's reply

I love action and tenderness - a nice balance of the two is necessary to the telling of a tale. My daughter is doing well. Thanks.

Elenora · 15 July 2006 · Chapter 43: Love is the Answer

Well, I have just "ripped" through your much (very, VERY much!) anticipated update....and I can truthfully say this was a truly satisfying (and very exhilarating) chapter! Legolas and Aragorn, united again - YEAH!!!! I finally felt able to "take a breath," much as our heroes were doing as the chapter neatly ended. I have a feeling we (and they) will need that breath, because I simply can't imagine they'll have an easy time of either finding the boy, or escaping - and there is Legolas's unfinished business with Ramhar as well. I'm starting to loose my breath again, just thinking of all that, LOL! Seriously, as always, this was a great read - and now I'll have to go back and read it more slowly, relishing all the more subtle nuances that I missed as I "rip-roared" through it the first time in order to find out "how fared the Prince"! And don't worry - you're stuck with me 'til the very end!

Author's reply

I'm very happy that they are together again. I really hated that the elf thought Aragorn was dead. I had to fix that. Yes, a few more chapters to come. There are a lot of loose ends to tie up before all is done.

White Wolf · 15 July 2006 · Chapter 43: Love is the Answer

Oh dear. My first review must sound like I'm crazy. I think what happened was that the whole chapter didn't load. I had to leave it and when I came back, I went straight to the review button. I then saw some unfamiiar lines, so I went back and checked it again and saw the rest of it. Glad there was more. Legolas’s reaction to Aragorn was totally believable. It was a tense moment until he finally accepted that his friend was alive. Legolas's reaction to the bitter brew was hilarious and so true to form. I'm anxious to see how the rebellion goes.

Author's reply

That happened at FFN. I had to re-upload three times before the full chapter could be seen. Did it happen here too? I'm glad Legolas' reaction was believable. He's been through a pretty tough time, and I thought it was not too much of a stretch that he display the effects of his trauma.