*~SuGaR~*
· 10 December 2003
· Chapter 99999: Many Thanks and Random Thoughts
that's what i forgot!!! the "legless" thing!!! I started to see it when they entered the bar and was going to say something about...but i forgot...*blushes* to caught up with the ending *tear* Well, he definitly isn't leg less anymore...i always use that..hehe, like when I'm drawing him and i haven't gotten to his legs >.<
too bad elves aren't around anymore...damn it...
argh...i so can't do foreshadowing, i could never outline a story that long or that complicated...so many lessons to learn, so much wisdom to gain!!!
thanx for everything and best of luck...here's your safety harness back, thought i could keep it as a souvenir...dang...
lotza luv xoxoxo
*~SuGaR~*
*~SuGaR~*
· 9 December 2003
· Chapter 9999: Revelations
awww...what a sweet ending...
sorry it took so long to get back to the story, got kinda caught up in playing the lod of the rings video game for PC...very addictive...
ahhh...some good ol' Legolas and Gimli humour!!!! heh, i was nearly laughing thorugh the whole thing...and he's finally back!!! after everything that's happened, everything is better again! It's great to revisit the events and places that started it all, especially when it was about 48 chapters ago!!!
the end was so sweet, it totally touched my heart...
thanx for the great story =) hope to see more soon and i'll be willing to wait just as long as this one took!!! It won't be the same until then!!! Just like the Lord of the Rings movies...they have to make the Hobbit(hope Legolas is in it =) )
xoxox
*~SuGaR~*
Ral
· 9 December 2003
· Chapter 99999: Many Thanks and Random Thoughts
I loved your story, and that is rare. I can usually find something I don't like about every story I read, but not yours. So congrats, you've done the impossible, and I still have enough money to go on other rides. But before I go, I have a question, will you be writing another story? If you are, I'd love to be informed as to when and the title, or a plot summary, or something. Anyway, great job again, and I hope to be reading your next story soon :P
~ral~
*~SuGaR~*
· 6 December 2003
· Chapter 47: First Steps
wow...that was one long, long chapter...
It was so sad in the beginning, i felt like crying through the whole thing...
It seems through all the stories i've read about Thranduil(but not as a main character) they always make him seem so bad. Always wanting this or that from Legolas. Where's the love for this guy?!?!? Just because it said in the Hobbit that he likes jewels a little more than other elves or is a bit short-tempered and overly suspicious(but you probably would be too if Sauron came wandering into your forest telling you he wasn't Sauron but some "Necromancer" dude and made your whole forest home dark so that nobody wanted to go there anymore). And where'd everyone get the idea that he seems to be the biggest mortal hater in all Middle-Earth!?!?! A lot of stories have him and Elrond pitted against each other..."You must not show pain...you must not succumb to the sea" <--you make Thranduil seem so mean and unsympathetic(very unusual for a elf)about maybe...46, 47 chapters ago(wow that's a lot!) it didn't seem so bad...but still!
"He needed to find reason that he might yet live for he had no reason" <--that hit hard...ouch...he couldn't even love anymore...=(
"They watched as Leoglas slowly curled in upon himself, taking up a fetal position. From there, they saw him dissolve into quiet weeping" When i read that, i couldn't take it anymore, it was like a stab right through my heart, and started crying myself *sniff, sniff* not to say it wasn't expected though...i cried watching the Lion King when Mufasa died, but hey! that was sad!!!
Finally, i was wondering when we maight get back to the conlony problems and the mithril!!
Ahhh...he okay again!!! when he finally started accepting help i cried again...and finally, a bit of that Legolas and Gimli humour!!!!
Sorry but i had to get off the vehicle and review and now that it took so long( it wasn't supposed to be this long, mind you) i have to go and come bakc later for the epilogue, but i will be back!!!! Happy review reading!!! Hope you enjoyed going through my endless spiel of nonsense that i for some reason or another call a review...!!!! bai!~
*~SuGaR~*
ps. i think i found the downloads thing on the sindarin dictionary, but my computer will probably need a few upgrades before i can get >.< i'm currently occupying myself with the Silmarillion which i finally managed to get my hands on...i seem to find mayself looking at the back with all the elvish words more than the actual story...>.<...may have to get myself a copy...bai!~
Nightwing
· 5 December 2003
· Chapter 9999: Revelations
And so we all sail safely into the harbour at last. Phew! What a ride, and there was certainly a lot of rough water to navigate along the way, for characters, readers and the writer herself. So I first and foremost would like to say "well done, Ithilien!" You handled it all magnificently.
In the chapter, I admired your descriptions of Legolas' utter lack of interest in waking. He knew it would not be pleasant, and I fully understood his desire to continue to drift in his water dreams. Also beautifully described was his inability to feel joy upon learning that his legs were recovering. Horrifying thought the paralysis was, the psychological damage inflicted by the witches was the greater hurt. Poor Aragorn and Gimli. I really felt badly for them as their smiles faded into bewildered concern. They had not realized the depth of Legolas' trauma, indeed, how could they have known all of what had happened to him? Faramir may have tried to explain some of it, but until the elf woke, the full impact of the experience could not have been known. No doubt Aragorn and Gimli thought the return of Legolas' legs would be a wonderful thing for him. That section was very well done.
I love the way you look so deeply at people's emotions. You are the best explorer out there, and you bring out so beautifully the many (and often confusing) things that make up our emotional lives: the impact obligations and expectations can have on a person, feelings of failure, fear of opening oneself to love, because in doing so, you become more vulnerable to being hurt. (Hmmm, it happens to us authors too, doesn't it?) And you took a wonderful look at how the placing of blame chains one's attention ever backward until the ability to look forward is forever lost, resulting in the death of happiness. (For some reason, a certain M-I-L comes to mind...)
The emotion moving from Gimli to Legolas theough the dwarf's eyes as he bathed the elf's forehead was lovely, and now I know why he kept the red boot! I was ready for some complicated reason, but no, he kept it on just to see Legolas laugh once more.
Epilogue: perfect. It was very fitting to see them in the tavern once more, and seeing Legolas acting with renewed confidence was a relief. And I just love it when an author gets into the power and beauty of Legolas' voice when he sings. It's one of my favorite topics... I've always had a thing for ancient bards and voices raised to the skies. The closest I can come to feeling religious, perhaps.
Enough said, but I wanted to leave you a long review after such hard work and dedication on your part. Thank you, thank you for this wonderful story, and for opening your heart along the way. Brave girl. Rest you now, but don't stay away too long.
Nightwing (sending carrots for your new plot bunnies to nibble on, but feel free to store them in the fridge for the time being. No pressure. They'll keep just fine until you need them.)
Tapetum Lucidum
· 4 December 2003
· Chapter 9999: Revelations
It's over?! I am so sad.
I loved all of the angst in the last chapter. It was great to see my 3 favorite characters suffer. The all had a hard time coming to terms with what happened to them. The confrontation between Gimli and Legolas was great. It doesn't surprise me that the dwarf did what needed to be done - stun some sense into the elf. It was good that they could be with him during his recovery.
Arwen finally conceived! Hooray for her and Aragorn. It was nice that something good came out of the trip. It almost made it worth while to be touched by those grimy hands.
When Gimli and Legolas returned to the pub, I thought the same thing as you - they had come full circle. The night was what Legolas needed to put everything that had happened behind him. His song was well described and I wish I had been there to hear it.
Some reviewers said this piece was too dark for them. I disagree - I found it very entertaining. Of course my favorite authors are Anne Rice, Stephen King, Dean Koontz and John Saul (and some guy J.R.R. something or other). I think it was excellent and it was obvious you had a plan from the beginning. There is no other way you could have kept this beast under control for the entire ride. Too long? No way. I will miss it.
Great Job!
Tapetum
Capn Jak Sparrow
· 3 December 2003
· Chapter 9999: Revelations
This was a great ending to a great story! Thank you so much! It was awesome!
Capn Jak Sparrow
· 3 December 2003
· Chapter 47: First Steps
I absolute loved this story! It was so great! Thanks for the effort you spend on writing it!
Tintalle
· 3 December 2003
· Chapter 99999: Many Thanks and Random Thoughts
Once, again, Ithilien, bravo. Very, very satisfying ending and as a whole a wonderful piece. hope your husband continues his recovery and please keep writing.
Nilmandra
· 2 December 2003
· Chapter 9999: Revelations
I do like how this ended - how I would love to hear Legolas sing! Congratulations - this was a long and epic story but you finished! There is a lot to be proud of in here.
Lamiel
· 2 December 2003
· Chapter 47: First Steps
Oh! Somehow when I first linked to the updated chapter, I got to the epilogue first. So I reviewed that before I saw this one. Now I feel better! I was really missing seeing Legolas take the first steps toward recovery, seeing how he fought his way back from the sea longing and accepted his friends again. This is wonderful!
The emotions and complexity of Legolas' reaction, and that of Aragorn and Gimli, is very well done. I'm so glad we got to see just the three of them work through this alone. You've done a phenomenal job bringing all the characters together in this fic, but sometimes it's nice just to see our own heroes by themselves.
Lovely, lovely moment when Legolas sees the love that Gimli has for him, and Aragorn. I'm especially taken with your exploration of the self doubts and insecurities that Legolas feels, particularly the flashback to his father. I've been thinking about what hidden layers there might be to Legolas, and this gives me wonderful ideas.
Thank you so much!
daw the minstrel
· 2 December 2003
· Chapter 9999: Revelations
What a great ending. The visit to the tavern rounds the story out nicely and Legolas is himself again. This has been a wonderful journey, Ithilien.
fliewatuet
· 2 December 2003
· Chapter 9999: Revelations
*fliewatuet rises off her seat to give standing ovations for at least five minutes ... no ... better ten minutes ... or more ... until she notices she has lost any measure of time*
That was a fitting chapter to end that story, nice tie in with the beginning. And the very beginning of the chapter was a most fitting way to describe Legolas' process of healing. The entire scene in the tavern was really moving, from Legolas' slight apprehension of entering the tavern in the first place, to his insistence that he would not be called Legless, up to the crowd's reaction to his song.
And finally, I am relieved that Aragorn and Arwen are looking forward to the birth of their own child in the end. Though I must admit that I would have been much surprised had Arwen not conceived a child during their more intimate moments (... eh ... maybe a bit longer than mere moments ...) while being trapped in that cave.
That said, thanks again for writing and sharing this lovely piece of work. Dare I hope for another, novel-length story about my favourite heroes? Pretty, pretty please?
fliewatuet
fliewatuet
· 2 December 2003
· Chapter 47: First Steps
I know, there is one more chapter that I should read, but there was so much I enjoyed in this chapter that I feared I might forget it by the time I finished the next. So that earns you two reviews instead of one!
The way of Legolas' recovery sure was an agonizing one. He went through the hell of his own failings (or what he perceived as such), but, with the help of his friends who would not abandon him to his fate, he came out the better for it. It felt like many threads that were hinted at throughout the story were picked up again in this final chapter to weave them all together.
Like Aragorn, Legolas had obviously suffered from too many expectations put upon him. But, unlike Aragorn, he had his injury and Bäla's spell to strengthen their effect. And, with Gimli's and Aragorn's help, he finally learned that it does not matter whether he meet those expectations or not, as long as he has his friends about who love him for the person he is. Though I must admit that his process of (re-)learning this was quite painful.
Aragorn himself had to make use of the things he learned throughout the story, namely to quell his urge to protect others and instead place his trust in their abilities. Only in letting Legolas feel his confidence Aragorn helped the Elf back to his feet. I am glad to see that not only Arwen will benefit from that lesson Aragorn learned.
And finally, Gimli and Legolas gradually resuming their old habits was just wonderful. Gimli's hesitation to fall back into old habits until he noticed that Legolas was provoking just that kind of response was wonderful to read. And my dirty mind came up with associations regarding those weapons of Gimli that Legolas mentioned I am not so sure were intended ...
fliewatuet (on to read the Epilogue)
tigerlily713
· 2 December 2003
· Chapter 99999: Many Thanks and Random Thoughts
I enjoyed this 'random' source of information. Your thoughts are humorous and wise. I look forward to your next epic... (no pressure)
tigerlily713
· 2 December 2003
· Chapter 9999: Revelations
That was very well done. I enjoyed the way you revealed the situations of all involved without it sounding like a summation or narration. The ending was also very well thought out and brilliant. I am so sad to see this end. Lily
tigerlily713
· 2 December 2003
· Chapter 47: First Steps
You really need to run for president. I don't care where you were born or where you currently reside...my forsaken country could really use a leader like you. This chapter was not only insanely long, but was also one of the most insightful and honest looks into the human psyche that I have ever experienced. The way you structured Legolas's healing was brilliant. His veiled relationships with Gimli and Aragorn were inspired. Beautiful. Words do not express. Vote for Ithilien!
Lamiel
· 2 December 2003
· Chapter 9999: Revelations
Ohhhh! This is wonderful! I'm so glad Legolas went back and sang the song properly--it never sat right with me that he changed it in the beginning of the story.
You've done a wonderful job of wrapping up and bringing together all the loose threads, all while showing Legolas and Gimli at their best. I'm so, so glad to see Legolas healed again, although I wonder what it would have taken to bring him back. He was so far gone. His strength of will, when it was turned toward living again, must have been incredible.
I'm delighted by the touch about Elves hearing the conception of a child in the Song--that's right up my alley. Lovely.
This has been an epic story--a novel, really. Thank you so much for sharing your time and creative energy with us. You are truly one of the most talented writers in fan fiction, Ithilien, and quite a bit more gifted than plenty of published authors I've read. Thank you.
*~SuGaR~*
· 26 November 2003
· Chapter 46: What Lies Beyond
whew...finally done...that was one long chapter!! had to come back 3 times!!! only 2 more chapters to go!!!
so sad...Legolas almost died, but I knew he wasn't going to!!! *sigh* poor, poor Legolas...
awww...so sweet...almost forgot that Eowyn didn't want the baby at first, and that she only cahnged her maind a while ago...it seems like ages!!!
well, i've gotta to to sleep *yawn* hope Legolas gets better real soon...*sigh* too many stories with Legolas getting hurt...can't wait to read the last two chapters, but won't be the same knowing that there isn't going to be anything left to wait for...just the the LOTR movies!!!! only 20 more days 'til ROTK!!! *sigh* i can never be happy...bai!~
*~SuGaR~*
luinthien
· 26 November 2003
· Chapter 46: What Lies Beyond
I can't believe that the next chapter is the last! This has been such an awesome adventure.
You are tying up the loose ends to this story very nicely. This has been an extremely complex story, but you have the skill to make this a very readable story.
You are an excellent writer and I have really enjoyed it!!!
Lamiel
· 25 November 2003
· Chapter 46: What Lies Beyond
This is so, so powerful. The emotion is very true and very well written, from beginning to end--what an accomplishment, to keep it so strong for such a long chapter! But everything, from Aragorn's frustration to the milling crowd to Legolas' pain and Faramir's horror and Eowyn's guilt--this is all so well written. It is a joy to read. At least the quality is a joy--the characters aren't having such a good time of it.
I'm so glad they got Legolas out of that cave! I spent most of the first part thinking that he needed to get outside, and now that he is I have more hope for him. Given the close connection between Elven minds and their bodies, it is vital that he find some sort of peace and acceptance. He'll never recover otherwise. Love the detail of him trying to unwork the knots of the bracelet. Wonderful, and very nicely described.
Faramir's reaction is also perfect--so often writers who attempt to deal with rape get the victim's response wrong. This need to avoid touch, the feeling of shame and guilt and disgust, is perfectly done. And a lovely moment with Eowyn, when he touches her cheek and she leans into it--I've always loved that image.
Brilliant chapter, Ithilien, and you did it quickly too! Very impressive, especially for such an emotional, well written, and long chapter. Marvelous. Thank you so much.
Nightwing
· 24 November 2003
· Chapter 46: What Lies Beyond
Such emotion! Whew, the aftermath is strong and filled with much drama, just as I hoped it would be. Everyone involved requires healing, resolution and rest. And you took a nice long look at all of that with no rushing through now that the action is over. I appreciate that, because there is still much to be done on a quieter level. The story is not over.
I thought it very poignant that Arwen, Gimli and Faramir all had their best moments of contemplation and heartfelt emotion while sitting next to, and communicating with (even if silently) Legolas. I hope all that caring and love pouring from these people toward him has the desired effect.
Lovely scene between Eowyn and Faramir. Poor girl... I know how badly we can feel if we think we have blown it somehow. Faramir's silence and the elf showing no improvement must have been absolutely awful for her. I'm glad her husband opened up to her. However painful it must have been to utter the words, it is his first step toward healing.
You had a couple of sentences I really loved. First, Bregus' lingering effect on Faramir: "But the true horror was her voice. It cut through the wind, seeking him." Very powerful imagery.
Second: the description of Legolas' physical injury tying in with the damage done to his spirit: "That hurt drained him of life. From there he bled into his soul." Very nice.
Er, did Aragorn wash those dreadful hands before he examined Kattica?? I've given birth. I know what he was doing in there.
All right... why does Gimli have the compulsion to keep the red bandages on his foot? Curious to see what comes of that.
And a very sweet picture of the dwarf giving the baby to Legolas. How can the elf not respond to that? His love for his friends held him in Middle-earth before, and it will bring him through again.
Tapetum Lucidum
· 24 November 2003
· Chapter 46: What Lies Beyond
Yeah! This is the chapter I have been waiting for! Lots of Legolas H/C. I could just see Gimli and Aragorn storming into the cave, trying to figure out what was going on. I'm sure it was a mad rush for both of them to get to Legolas, Eowyn and Faramir. Poor Kattica was in labor. Aragorn was worried about discretion and privacy? Since when is any OB/GYN worried about that. I think most of the hospital sees you when you have a baby. Next time I will hire him.
Finally, Aragorn gets to help our elf. It must have been terrifying to see him so pale and lifeless. I am glad Gimli was there as well. His concern was very touching. Poor Eowyn! The guilt must be eating her alive. She was only trying to help him. Aragorn and Gimli both controlled their reactions very well. Then we get the first hint of Faramir's true anguish. He has been as wounded as the elf. Legolas' lines about "her" wanting him was very intense. I could feel his anguish. It is very OOC for Legolas to give in and not
fight. Bala must have place a powerful spell for him to give up hope. Gimli was right, Aragorn was forcing his will upon the elf just as the Bala and Bregus had done. Very clever.
It must have about killed Aragorn to leave Legolas like that. Kattica needed him to give her a push in the right direction. The amulets were a great idea. I can see why Legolas considered them ties that bind rather than a lifeline. It was good juxtaposition, all a matter of perspective. Poor tortured elf.
Faramir and Eowyn's anguish is just as bad as Legolas'. I am glad that Faramir was finally able to bare his soul. I am sure it brought the two of them even closer together. Having Eowyn accept her new child and be excited about it was a bright spot to the chapter.
Moving the elf outdoors was a good move. He is always happier among the trees. I forgot about Gimli's foot with all of the running around he has done. I bet the red bandage is really attractive by now. Placing the baby in Legolas' arms was very sweet. I am glad he responded to her.
Great chapter! It was as good as I had hoped.
Tapetum
fliewatuet
· 24 November 2003
· Chapter 46: What Lies Beyond
*sniff* I don't like it when one of my favourite stories comes to a close. But then I am glad that my favourite heroes' ordeal is finally over (well ... for most of them). But for Faramir and Legolas (and Éowyn in parts), the healing has just begun. I am glad, though, that there is a fair prospect for Legolas to fully recover in body (though his spirit is another matter entirely). And, of course, I am glad that Kattica's child was alive and well, given the circumstances. Gimli makes for a wonderful babysitter as it seems (though Legolas isn't too bad either, even in his almost unconscious state).
And even the true nature of Faramir's torture at Bregus' hands was revealed in the end. No wonder he would not have anyone near him. But with Éowyn as his wife, he is in the best hands.
But there is still Legolas' spirit to heal. I hope that Gimli will manage to cheer him up in the end, for there is still the mithril that he discovered that would solve Legolas' more mundane problems.
All in all, I think my favourite heroes have earned them a well deserved holiday by now, maybe they should have ventured further east and found less trouble;-)
Jay of Lasgalen
· 24 November 2003
· Chapter 46: What Lies Beyond
I have to confess to being a very intermittent reviewer for this story - it is so complex I have to take time to digest it, and rather dark for my tastes. But I think your OCs are wonderful - from Bregus and Bala, to the sons, and of course Kattica.
I am VERY glad that the story has turned to Legolas, I'm still worried about him. Even Elven healing will have problems with a broken back, I would think - especially if he does not want to be healed. And I'm glad that Faramir could finally talk of what was done to him - it was rape, in my mind.
Looking forward to the final chapters!
Jay