Nightwing
· 1 November 2003
· Chapter 42: Duplicity
Well, things seem to be going well up to this point. I think Kattica's goal was to be alone with Eowyn and Legolas and her husband, so hopefully she can start on her role in the plans to bring Bregus down.
Poor elf... aargh... I was surprised by the violence of his reaction when Bregus touched him. I would not have thought it possible for him to strike out like that, hurt as he is, but it shows how deeply he fears and hates her. He still fights!
On to the next chapter!
*~SuGaR~*
· 1 November 2003
· Chapter 43: Water, Wind, Fire and Earth
awww...great...does nothing ever work as planned in this story?!?!? *sigh* and still no evil-witch butt-kicking...at least we know it will be happening soon...rite?...rite!?!?! Well, enough evil, scary things today. Hope you get Legolas up and about for the action. aww...just makes you wanna give him a big squeeze aside from the fact that that would probably be a bad thing considering his condition. Still clinging on to see the end!!! Bai and HAPPY HALLOWEEN!!!!~
*~SuGaR~*
*~SuGaR~*
· 31 October 2003
· Chapter 42: Duplicity
wooohoooo!!! Legolas is awake...oh, wait...damn it!!!
*sigh*...finally, an update!!! actually thought something was gonna happen rite away...should have known better with you. *glares* Way to post on Halloween!!! Kattica's got herself in a rut now...but where are the others?? still eagerly waiting to hear about the amulet and halberd. ...oooh pretty fireworks...hehe, looking out the window...well, i hope you don't just have Legolas laying around doing nothing for this whole witch defeating thing. Gotta go read the next chappie now!!! bai!~ HAPPY HALLOWEEN!!!!!!!!
*~SuGaR~*
Lamiel
· 31 October 2003
· Chapter 43: Water, Wind, Fire and Earth
What a cliff-hanger! I knew things were going too well--when the soldiers arrived, it seemed set up for some other catastrophe. And Bregus is too strong, and too suspicious, to fall for Kattica's plan entirely. Bad things happening here, very bad. I do hope you can update again soon! I know, I know, two chapters at once is too great a gift to be asking for more already, but I can't help it. We're so close to the end--this is exciting!
I loved the opening with Aragorn talking to the squirrel, by the way. Hee hee! I used to convince my little sister that I could talk to our pet cats in the same way. Somehow I suspect that it might be more true for Elves, though.
Lamiel
tigerlily713
· 31 October 2003
· Chapter 43: Water, Wind, Fire and Earth
Ah, but if it had all worked out perfectly, we wouldn't have need of another chapter! Great work, I look forward to more! ~Lily
Lamiel
· 31 October 2003
· Chapter 42: Duplicity
Oh, Ithilien! What a wonderful tension between Kattica and Bregus here, such intensity in their conflict. Of course we still trust Kattica, but it's clear that she really is tempted by the dark powers, and who wouldn't be drawn to Legolas? There's something very dark in all this talk of proboing his mind. I'm so impressed by the rhythm and pacing of this story. Every little scene is given its full due, and nothing is left underdeveloped or unexplored. There's such depth, such power of emotion and description. Wonderful, just wonderful.
chris (unplugged32)
· 16 October 2003
· Chapter 41: Stone and Cord
it's been a while since i've had time to read my favorite stories so i must apologize for this late review. lots of stuff going on in RL:) my poor, poor legolas, still lingering somewhere between life and death, his soul confused and tormented! wonderful work as always! the attention to detail, the 'in character' characters, the smooth continuation of the plot are just a few of the things i enjoy about your work. keep writing! i'm really excited about the next chapter:)
Capn Jak Sparrow
· 24 September 2003
· Chapter 41: Stone and Cord
I love your story Ithilien... just one thing... UPDATE! It's driving me mad!!! Please UPDATE!!!
Capn Jak Sparrow
· 24 September 2003
· Chapter 0: Cruel Death
Great chapter Ithilien! I love it!
The Karenator
· 16 September 2003
· Chapter 41: Stone and Cord
Ithilien
Finally! I'm all caught up and have finished chapter 41. You have constructed a complex and vividly detailed landscape of people, emotions and terrain. You've given great depth to the emotional struggles of the couples and have given them their due rather than just merely resoving problems without cause. We can see the process and not just this out of the blue resolution. Some of their thoughts are funny, many heart wrenching and touching. One the few occasions when the opportunity presented itself to do in the old bat, I was cheering for one of our intrepid heroes to use the knife, but alas, they did not. They are just too good for their own good (It reminded me of those kind of movies where the scantily clad co-ed goes to investigate the noise and I'm screaming, "No, you dimwit! Run!" But if she didn't blunder out into the dark armed only with her thong and flashlight, there would be no story.) Your story device kept the show on the road and gave us insight into the characters. I guess they're better people than me. :>) Then Marius Suenor! I was screaming! It was a cute nod,(sarcasm noted),to the these great ladies of fiction. Even Faramir knows who they are. My, how they have infiltrated. I'm impressed with your imagination, your attention to details and the fleshing out of your characters. I have no suggestions except that you're a bit too slow with the next chapter. :>) Seriously, your story has been an incredible journey full of twist and turns, excitement and good characterizatons. I'm looking forward to more. ......> (my arrow's nocked and ready to shoot off to the next chapter.) Karen
*~SuGaR~*
· 14 September 2003
· Chapter 41: Stone and Cord
hehe...i lied, a few more things to say...
fingernails...*looks down at hands*...funny stuff, toes suddenly astoundingly fascinating...*looks down at toes*, hey!!! you know what, they are!!!!!!
but yes...I WANT MORE!!!! can't wait to see them kick Bregus' old witchy hinny!!! again LET THE EEVIL-WITCH-BUTT KICKIN' COMMENCE!!!!!!!!(yes i'm really done this time)
*~SuGaR~*
*~SuGaR~*
· 14 September 2003
· Chapter 41: Stone and Cord
sorry about the late review...stupid school...
well, first let me tell you that i hate the way you end your chapters...argh...though this chapter was really really long already, but still!!!! just when the rescuing-justice-making-evil-witch-butt-kicking was about to begin!!!!!!!!!!!!
alright!!! i was right about Aragorn!!...maybe i'm not so stupid as i thought i was...wait, maybe not...well they've finally got a plan, but now Arwen's in trouble, doesn't this ever stop???...but can't she talk to the dogs??...*confused* =S
and yes, the amulet has come back!!!...but what about the halberd...argh can't wait any longer!!!! but then again, it will be strange when it's all over *tear =( ahh mithril, i just wanna give Gimli a big hug!!!!!...Legolas too, but i'm not so sure that's a good idea right now...=( =(...*sigh*
i have to admit, lots of questions were answered(including about Mary Sue), but you still haven't said who the nice old lady was. i still think it's Kattica's grandmother though...
oh, about the email thing, it's not over 2MB is it??? cuz i can't get more than that...i deleted the other stuff in my inbox, cuz if it is even slightly under i'd be able to get it now...i know, i know...you've probably already tried it a zillion million times and this is getting really(x100)annoying, but if it isn't over 2MB try to send it now...PLEASE!! if it is, then just tell my and i'll stop bugging you and go wallow in my self pity, k?
well, once again a great chapter...jeez my reviews aren't really reviews are they!?!?!?!? eh, i only one thing left to say now....LET THE EVIL-WITCH-BUTT-KICKIN' COMMENCE!!!!!
*~SuGaR~*
The Karenator
· 13 September 2003
· Chapter 4: Longings
Ithilien,
Hum.m.m. Elven mating habits, huh. Well, it did get my attention. You presented a very interesting and complex view. I've always thought that Tolkien was a bit optimistic with his views, but he's the creator and I bow to his authority. Of course, I think he said his work was essentially a Catholic work and I think in his creation of the Elves he did infuse them with the ideal, though I still don't know if it would have been quite as sterile as he would have had us believe had these wonderous folk truly lived. I've read where others have likened Elves to angels, but I seem to see them more as Tolkien's version of unfallen man and humans as the fallen creature. I think the Valar suit the angel role a bit better. It also seems to me that inhibited sexual mores are related to his religious views, but it is not something that cuts across all cultures,(especially early ones), so his views do exist in something of a vaccuum. (Granted, it's a large vaccuum, especially now.) I would have liked to hear him personally discuss why he saw such a natural expression, created by God, to be something so rigid. The only thing I can come up with is his devotion to the Church and it is his creation story, so there really is nothing for me to argue with him about, I suppose. I'm not even saying I think he should have done something different or that he was wrong. It just doesn't seem to fit with Elven nature to be so out of tune with the beauty of the experience. I don't mean they should have bedded everything in sight or not been discriminating or that there shouldn't have been cultural boundaries; it's the bonding showing in their eyes thingy if they had sex. I can see it when bonding was chosen. It sure did cut out those one night stands though. Still, I think the Elves would have come up with some real interesting, non-consumating activities in reality. :>) While your description may not (or it may, I don't know), fit with his vision, you did a beautiful job of Legolas explaning the natural beauty of the physical. In many of his statements, he was genuinely perplexed as to why Gimli would find fault with such an expression. I thought you did a nice job of showing the somewhat protected, (innocent), nature of the elf and his inherit nature to respond to beauty. And your version gave me fuel to think about the above and try to get it straight in my mind....though I don't think I have completely. Now..aren't you sorry you brought THAT up?
This is getting too long, so I'll capsulize here. The needs of the royal ones to get out from under the thumb of duty was well done. I can see how it would irk all these who have seen so much battle and did such dangerous things to chafe under such restrictions and the need they would have to step aside for a short while. I think the royal life would be very restrictive.
And then there's Mama..just braiding and humming. I think she needs to throw a wagon wheel or something.....
Since this story is long and I'm so far behind, I think I'll just read a bit and not try to catch up in responses to every chapter. I'll jump in when I have something to say, but I'm going to try to not be so redundant and boring. Until then...please forgive my verbosity, but I'm really having a jolly time, here, all by myself. :>) ........> Karen
The Karenator
· 12 September 2003
· Chapter 3: Keeping the Ruse
Ithilien,
What a breakfast! The tense situation between the married folk is beginning to strain a bit. What does Eowyn know or foreseen about this trip to Poros that she doesn't want Faramir to take? Good foreshadowing to tip us off that something evil is stirring even in her thoughts. I don't think she knows what it is, just that something unsettles her. And why did she leave the table so abruptly? Is there a new little one about to surprise her? Or is she just jittery about this vague fear she is feeling? I don't think she's off to see to poor Legless's hangover....or is she? Shoot. I'll stop second guessing and wait for the answer. You did a good job of setting up a normal situation that carries the undercurrents of marriages trying to adjust to routine, duty and the impending doom of something terribly unpleasant. It sort of like hearing the music change in a movie and you know someone is going to jump out with a chainsaw at any minute. ........> :>) Karen
The Karenator
· 12 September 2003
· Chapter 2: Troubled Dreams
Ithilien,
Wow! That was intense. Poor Eowyn. I know exactly how she feels. This sleep thing must be woman/mama thing. I'm sitting here now waiting on my oldest to get home for the night. I'm so tired, I'll probably be fairly incoherent here, but when I hit the bed, I'll be wide awake. AND my male unit will be snoring to beat the band. I'm with Eowyn. I think all sleeping men should be pounded in the ribs periodically. It's really not fair.
Seriously, I can see why she would have such misgivings about having more children and how that would effect her marriage. You did a good job of giving enough information without getting too graphic...staying within the boundary of good taste. It just doesn't seem right to tell all her secrets to us bunch of perfect strangers. But we get the picture.
Your descriptions of her boys were excellent. You gave them such personality, (from her viewpoint), and breathed life into a mother's knowledge, yearnings and fears for her babies. She and her oldest seem to be suffering from some sort of foresight, too. Very bad for sleeping.
Yep, I was right. I'm afraid of Mama. Is she really their mother or this just a term of respect? (Though respect would be somewhat of a subjective term to me! ) Looks like she still needs fresh elf. This is not going to be our Fair One, is it? Hm.m.m. I was afraid of that, too. The Mama's Wagon part was pretty intense. You handled the tension well. Just enough to keep me from sleeping this weekend. Hur.m.m..p! Thanks a lot! Now I'll have to fight snoring husband and chopped elf heart. Good chapter! .........> :>) Karen
The Karenator
· 12 September 2003
· Chapter 1: Revelry and Songs
Ithilien,
What a delightful chapter. One of my favorite lines was such a simple one, an obvious statement..."Gimli was a very popular dwarf in Minas Tirith." I love the humor of such a common observation. The whole bar scene was a hoot. An inebriated elf is something to see. Even in his condition, his song was a stroke of genius. I did feel sorry for him when he felt the need to call "Ralph" out on the street. I wouldn't wish that on anyone. Anyhow, the pace was good. I thought the writing was smooth and interesting. Descriptions of the bar were very detailed and visable. You told us enough to see the scene within our imagination without overburdening us with too much detail. It kept the scene flowing. ...........> :>) Karen
lembas7
· 12 September 2003
· Chapter 41: Stone and Cord
ooh!! something is happening! Yes!! (Finally!) ooh - sooo excitied. I love this story (though i admit that initially i was put off by the drunk&hungover elf scene - I don't enjoy laughing @ my charachter's expense - it's a personality defect. However, things looked up from there)
I was wondering what non-slash stories you would recommend, and maybe if you could urge Lamiel to continue the work on IN THE DEEP PLACES, which is excellent!
Your story is brilliant, and i have high hopes for the rescue - never have i met such a convoluted, intriguing plotline - two thumbs up for being so believably creative (and for that spot of Aragorn angst about the sex-in-cave-while-friends-suffer bit. I'm not quite ready to forgive him for that. What can i say? I'm a hopeless romantic . . . j/k!! :P ) as well as keeping track of everything that's going on and not loosing any little bits here and there. I tend to do that in my own stories if I'm not careful/attentive, so i think it's great that you tie everything together so well.
Much hope for the rest of the story -
I have no problem with excessively long chapters, as long as action abounds!!
~lembas7
The Karenator
· 12 September 2003
· Chapter 0: Cruel Death
Ithilien,
I figured since I am new to this story, I would just babble as I go along.
Boy! You really had me going there for a while. I thought the men were chasing Legolas. When the talon struck him in the eye, I wondered how we were going to fix that. (How good a healer is that scruffy mortal anyway?) Then I felt bad that I was relieved that it wasn't the Fair One. Poor unnamed elf. Then the ending.....mother will not be pleased! (Norman! Norman, honey is that you? Will you flip on the Motel sign while you're up?) Okay, I got creeped out. Your descriptions were very ...well...visual. I consider that very good. You built an excellent tension and lots of questions to be answered. (But I'm still not sure I want to meet Mama. I think I'm afraid of her.) Now that I'm wound up tight as a rubber band, I'm shooting off to the next chapter.......> Karen
Littlefish
· 12 September 2003
· Chapter 41: Stone and Cord
Yes!! They are all together now, and plans are being made for a rescue. This is so exciting. The climax is approaching, and the tension within this chapter kept me on the edge of my seat. The chapter was wonderfully long, but I think I still moaned when it came to an end! I WANT MORE!!!!! ^_^
I think you did an excellent job in the first section with Aragorn reflecting back on what had happened to bring he and Arwen to the others. I think you saved time here by not going over every little detail, but you still gave us enough not to leave a blank gap. You also did a wonderful job showing Aragorn's immediate seizure of control. He and Arwen are the last to find out what is going on, but he is the first to really take control and begin forming a decisive plan. He doesn't play around with the situation, but immediately works to use what time they have to their advantage. Perfect characterization here!
Oh youch! Just when I begin to think we are making progress, you throw in the little section with Arwen. Well, we have learned that she is good at thinking fast, and hopefully this trait will serve her well in escaping the dogs. I don't think Aragorn would be too happy if anything should happen to her!!
It looks as if poor Eowyn has a broken arm. Mattias doesn't look to be in too good of condition either. And I won't even mention Legolas!! Thank the Valar that Gordash and Kattica have finally arrived. This marks the beginning of the end, and I can't wait to see what you have up your sleeve for us next. I hope to see another update soon. Great job, Ithilien!
Thundera Tiger
· 11 September 2003
· Chapter 41: Stone and Cord
Oh! Oh! Oh! I know this! Congealing! Things are "congealing"! Yes! What a word. Oh, and if you ever have the need to use such a wonderful word, you are more than welcome to borrow it for a day or so. I certainly wouldn't deny you the privilege. Not after a chapter like this.
The first part of the first section was seriously impressive. I love the way that you tied everything together along the theme of an elven rope (pun somewhat intended). But in all seriousness, it was a stroke of literary genius. The progression of the tale as seen from Aragorn's point of view was very much like moving along the rope with him. It wound and twisted, but never lost its focus and never lost its anchor. I don't know if that makes any sense, but it's the impression I received. And then we reach the end of the rope, more or less, only to discover that we're about twenty feet short. It's days like these when you wish you could have stayed in bed.
Aragorn's reaction to what I can only assume was a rather hurried version of everything that has transpired is beautiful. He's completely shocked and stunned. You've captured his almost inability to comprehend it really well. I love the fact that you likened it to a ghost story told around a campfire, because essentially, that's what it's become. (Especially with Bala.) It's almost too dreadful to be true, yet Aragorn has to face the fact that this is what has been happening while he's been gallavanting about in the dark with Arwen.
I also love the nice, long look at everyone through Aragorn's mind. There's a reason this guy is king, and you definitely show us why. He has an ability to see the potential in others as well as their weaknesses, and I love the evaluation we get on everyone. Especially interesting are his thoughts on Kattica, and I couldn't help but be reminded of his conversation with Arwen. Initially, he wants to protect and shelter her, but I think he's learned his lesson. Either that, or the situation is too desperate. In any case, it seems like he will be using her, much as he might dislike the necessity, and toward the end of the story, you show us that this is indeed the case.
Arwen's decision to go off alone was very much a telling moment. There have been many tests throughout the story for Aragorn and Arwen, but this, I think was the hardest. And as a testament to both, they passed. Before, in the caves, they were still linked by the rope. There was still a way for Aragorn to get to Arwen. But now, that is no longer the case. The rope is cut and Arwen is heading off on her own. Moreover, there's a mad woman out there who seems to have a fettish for elven hearts. Kudos to Aragorn for having the courage to let his wife go. And I liked the fact that after she departed, Aragorn picked up the fallen rope. We've still got that rope in there, and I appreciate its symbolism. I also believe that Aragorn's method for getting into Henneth Annun might involve it.
On a lighter note, the idea of tatooing dirt beneath the nails as a right of passage had me laughing hard. Very nice touch. And for some reason, I failed to mention your stab at Mary Sues in the last chapter, so I compliment you on that now. It was hilarious.
Moving on (boy, this is turning into a long review) Gimli has a plan! And he has a brilliant way of telling it. He gets out all the possible disadvantages first so that they can be debated and over turned before he actually tells the plan. It enables the plan to be evaluated on its own merit without concern for pregnant woman taking too much of a toll. Nice strategic move, Gimli! So it's the mithril that will play a key role! I should have known better. You wouldn't have inserted that point about the mithril without having it play a key role later. And Aragorn has an Idea! Yipee!!! And we've still got that rope. I'm having visions of Aragorn or Faramir swinging in from the waterfall window on the rope, but that might be a little far-fetched and overly dramatic. Or maybe not. But I'm certain that the rope is going to be key.
Arwen seems to have found the dogs. This could be problematic. On the upside, she's also found that braided bit of hair that once belonged to Legolas. I'm going to assume that this was not by accident and that between her own elven abilities and the hair, she's going to get the dogs to stand aside. But I won't rule out a good fight sequence, either. I also like the contrast you provide between Legolas and Arwen. Arwen is not nearly as comfortable in the trees as Legolas. It's an interesting point, and one I'm glad you brought up.
And then you give us an *extremely* creepy final chapter. Ugh. Creepy doesn't even begin to describe what is happening here. We start with Eowyn and a recap of what's happened from Mattias's rather bewildered point of view. And we are also told that Bala does indeed now inhabit Curtik, which wigs me out to no end. Ugh. I think something has congealed in my stomach. And then we find out that Legolas might be giving up the fight for life. And when Eowyn tries to rouse him, she fails miserably. If I remember correctly, Bregus did something to him, so there's probably more at work here than just the sea-longing. But the tension has reached an amazing high, and I'm on pins and needles.
But the really creepy part of this section is Curtik's arrival as Bregus. I was almost nauseous at the implication that he and Bregus had been...well, my stomach is already starting to churn, so I'll stop there. Ugh. But I couldn't help noticing that Curtik/Bala seems awfully touchy. (Ugh) And that was how Bregus tried to control Aragorn, Faramir, and Gimli earlier. And Bregus seems...distracted. Not good. Definitely not good. I think Curtik/Bala has more control here than anyone believes. Of course, this could buy Legolas some time since Bregus isn't set on getting an elven heart, but still...
And then the cavalry arrives! The cavalry consists of Gordash and the pregnant Kattica, but I'll root for them anyway. Aragorn, Faramir, and Gimli can't be far behind. Oh, you've certainly set things up well, here, and I feel like I'm poised on the edge of the cliff. I am *almost* tempted to encourage you with a promise of a soon-to-be-updated "Fear No Darkness," but that wouldn't be fair to my other stories. Oh, but the temptation is very, very compelling... Update quickly!
**glances at review length** Sheesh! Sorry about all that. But you did say this was your longest chapter to date, so I feel justified in giving you my longest review to date.
luinthien
· 11 September 2003
· Chapter 41: Stone and Cord
WOW! you did it again!
I'm relieved that Aragorn and Arwen are finally out and able to start helping their friends. The whole gang is almost back together. But poor Legolas! I'm getting very concerned about him!! Hurry and heal him!
The whole scene with Bregus and Bala/Curtik YECHHH- no wait- DOUBLE YECHH
very creepy and gross! Way to go!
I can't wait to find out what our heroes have in store for Bregus!
Can't wait for another chapter!
Tapetum Lucidum
· 11 September 2003
· Chapter 41: Stone and Cord
Man - I'm late. My dog had puppies over the weekend and I am so behind. You, Daw, Jasta, Cassia... What to read?
Aragorn and Arwen's escape from the cave was excellent. I enjoyed your dissertation on the qualities of elven rope. It was very clever. I wish I had a coil. I won't tell you what I would do to Legolas with it... The part about the fingernails had me LOL! I think my children have tatooed their fingernails as well. They are clean for about 5 minutes after bathing, then they are dirty again. Arwen's elven glare must be as potent as Elrond's if she had Aragorn squirming. He must be worried.
Poor Arwen! Surrounded by wild dogs in the woods! Your point about her being Noldor vs. Legolas' Sindarin heritage was well made, it explained her path well. I guess she cannot talk with the beasts as the woodland elf can. I hope her new bracelet can be used as a distraction while she leaps into the trees. It would be very handy. I hope someone finally makes it to the soldier's camp.
Eowyn is as tough as ever. She is up and about with her broken arm worrying about my favorite elf. At least she is married so I don't have to be jealous. Your description of her concern was very sweet. I could almost see the worry in her face. Bregus' children have some serious sibling rivalry issues to resolve. She is obviously quite disturbed if she is making out with one son while forgetting the other is missing. Mattias found a sensitive spot didn't he? The family dynamics will be interesting to watch as the battle unfolds. I hope Mattais lives to care for his child... We'll see.
It looks like everything will come together in the next chapter or so. I am really looking forward to it. I am glad everyone won't be magically healed and get on with life unscathed. It sounds like even Faramir will still have to come to terms with what Bregus did to him back at the camp.
Great Job!
tigerlily713
· 9 September 2003
· Chapter 41: Stone and Cord
Okay, I'll review here as well. It's funny, I have recieved 4 seperate alerts to tell me that this story has been upated on SOA. Better than no updates I suppose...
Anyway, I can't wait to see what Kattica and Gordash have planned, nor can I wait to see how loyal and strong they will remain.
Great chapter, as always!
~Lily
Nightwing
· 9 September 2003
· Chapter 41: Stone and Cord
I was very glad to get the description from Aragorn's POV about what happened after Arwen went into the water. I was really curious to discover if he had fallen in, or was dragged in, or went after her.
Yep, sex and guilt go together like... like... well, actually I care not a whit for the combination personally, it's a terrible mix. But yes, Aragorn should be feeling a bit sheepish right about now. Having sex while his bestest friends are being terrorized and tortured. How self-indulgent is that? Oh, but what a tale to tell his son. "The night you were conceived? Yes, we all remember it well. Mummy and Daddy were trapped in a cave, and Uncle Legolas was being tortured by just about every means under the sun, and Uncle Faramir was being psychologically raped, and Auntie Eowyn was having the snot beaten out of her, while she was pregnant, mind you..." Really, sometimes those family stories can get out of hand. Best keep this one in the closet, only to be trotted out during the Christmas dinner gathering. Should impress the in-laws in case they think visiting is such a dreadful bore...
I really liked your description of the silent Gimli. His dear friend is suffering and in mortal danger, and the usual noisy dwarven bravado has been replaced by cold wrath and deadly intent. This is serious business, and I cannot wait to see the fury of the son of Gloin unleashed when he finally gets his chance.
The Curtik/Bala/Bregus thing is really grossing me out. This little family dynamic needs to be terminated ASAP. I nearly lost my breakfast.
All right. Legolas. Let me get this straight. The facts are as follows:
1)horrible physical injury. His back is broken, he is unable to move his lower body, and his pain is unbearable. (This after being held captive, psychologically invaded and tortured, bashed on the head with a rock, and then giddily skipping along through the woods tripping on whatever passed for acid back in those days before falling out of a tree...)
2)mortal danger. People want to kill him by ripping his beating heart from his chest, and he is unable to defend himself.
3)he knows these people want to rip his beating heart from his chest, and he knows he is unable to defend himself.
4)he has been placed under cuivear, and cruelly yanked from it again, and then put back into it again, now Eowyn is trying to pull him out of it again, which results in...
5)a depressed, disoriented, weirded-out state of mind.
6)dying of grief. He believes his life is over and he can fight no more.
7)oh, yes... financial worries back home?
Have I got it all? No wonder he's moaning. Good God. The recovery will be difficult, but yes, as you mentioned, the author gets to play with time. I see two options here:
You could write a new story! "The Incredibly Long and Horrifying Recovery of a Mangled Elf" in 52 chapters;
Or, you could do the the nice fast-forward: Lovely day in the garden. Elf and Dwarf having lunch on the patio. Elf is wrapped in nice warm blankees, but he is smiling as he shows the dwarf how he can wiggle his toes now. Sigh. Much better.
All right, enough from me. But I am having a spectacular amount of fun here, Ithilien. Let the witch-whippin' begin!
Nightwing
Le Rouret
· 9 September 2003
· Chapter 41: Stone and Cord
You know, I didn't even catch the "Marius Suenor" joke until I read the reviews of your last chapter! Very clever! And what's this about a "Witch-killing or two"? As far as I'm concerned, only one witch need die, and it better the heck not be Kattica. Being a mom myself, I have special sympathy for anyone about to experience Uterine Liberation Day.
Well, you've done it to me; I've just posted the first chapter of my story. I'm terrified. I'll use your "Doro Lanthiron" near the end of the tale and give you full credit, don't you worry. Thanks for the great entertainment!