In Shadow Realm by Legolass
Noor · 27 August 2006 · Chapter 24: Fulfillment
Oooh! What a brilliant chapter. This story has been much more of a slow burner than "for the love of the lord of the white tree" but a wonderful suspense filled saga just the same. Well done. I can't wait for the next instalment.
Author's reply
I love your 'slow burner' metaphor, Noor. An inspire choiced of word, and yes it does describe this story and its slow build-up of suspense well. Thank you for your visit. See you next update! Legolass
vampfan30 · 26 August 2006 · Chapter 24: Fulfillment
Yet again, a WOW chapter.... I am so very impressed with your genius, the ideas that you come up with........I am so speechless, I .... yeah.......
Author's reply
Lol, thank you, vampfan, for your 'speechless' and very complimentary review. It says much. :-D Legolass
harrowcat · 26 August 2006 · Chapter 24: Fulfillment
Wow - I'm speechless. Brilliant! An act of great compassion and that XXXX!X Saruman still gets revenge! You can't do this to Aragorn. A wonderful read Leagolass, thank you for cheating on your work schedule and I hope that you, too, don't get into trouble for it. But now we have to wait again - just who is suffering this torture, Aragorn or us? You were writing to such great effect that I was just feeling sorry for Shelob myself when I got to this paragraph - "But now that Shelob was helplessly weary, the King – to Legolas’ alarm – stayed his sword. Aragorn held the Flame of the West in a firm grip, and his grey eyes glinted with grim determination – yet his own fatigue-lined face softened as he felt a rush of pity even for such a vicious beast. "
Author's reply
"just who is suffering this torture, Aragorn or us?" -- I'm beginning to wonder myself, lol. As for feelign sorry for Shelob, to tell you thte truth, I didn't plan it, but by the time I wrote all that, I was feeling sorry for her myself, so I thought Aragorn must too. ANd it's in his nature somehow, so it worked out well. Thanks for your review, harrowcat. See you next update!
AM · 26 August 2006 · Chapter 24: Fulfillment
Oh crap ...
Author's reply
Lol - thanks for that succinct review, AM! But it did express your reaction all the same. :-) It's great to hear from you. Hope you're keeping well. Legolass
Alison H · 26 August 2006 · Chapter 24: Fulfillment
Criminy!! That was a cliffhanger to scare the most hardened of fan fic readers!You have the enviable ability to write chapters so well that your readers immediately want to scroll to the end because the tension is killing them--but we resist and are the more shocked when we do reach the end.WOW and WOW again! The battle to kill Shelob was very exciting and descriptive and I cheered when Aragorn finally killed her(sorry, no sympathy for spiders THAT big!) but I had only one quibble;Sam's use of a very modern swear word was kind of jarring.Other than that I loved the battle. So, how will Aragorn be returned to the land of the living? Legolas will find a way, I'm sure, but it won't be easy, I expect.I can't wait for more! Update soon. Ali.
Author's reply
Hi, Ali, Yes, you're one of several readers who have told me they want to scroll to the end of chapters quickly because they can't stand the tension, lol! But I'm glad you resist and go on the whole ride. :-) Scumbag is a modern swear word? Thanks for letting me know; there're sometimes one or two words that I feel could have been used at the time till someone tells me they're not. If I weren't so tired, I might think of another. Perhaps you can suggest one, lol! As for your question: "So, how will Aragorn be returned to the land of the living?" -- well, are you sure he will be? :-) I guess we'll have to wait and see. Thank you so much for your kind words, Ali; you're one of those who have been with me through all my stories, and I really appreciate it. Legolass
Calenlass Greenleaf · 26 August 2006 · Chapter 24: Fulfillment
*claps hands to mouth in horror* Impressive chapter--Poor Aragorn and Legolas, though. I hope Celeborn and the others reach then soon. I think I'll die form waiting! LOL There were only a few errors in spelling--otherwise, it was great.
Author's reply
Lol, hope you don't die from the wait because this next one is likely to take longer than 3 weeks. :-) Thank you for the review, Calenlass, and please do feel free to alert me to the spelling mistakes. I didn't think there were any (except that I sometimes lapse into British spelling), but I could be wrong, and I definitely could have omitted words at 3 am in the morning! :-p Hope to see you next update! Legolass
Leonin · 23 August 2006 · Chapter 23: Reawakening
Fascinating!! Can't wait for another update!!
Author's reply
Hello, Leonin, welcome to the journey although our Middle-earth friends have gone quite a ways. :-) Thank you for the compliment, and hope to see you next update. Legolass
harrowcat · 15 August 2006 · Chapter 23: Reawakening
I was already feeling guilty that it has taken me so long to find a moment to read this chapter so when I read the Author note on the bottom I knew I could delay no longer. This story is a lot darker than those I usually choose to read but it is so compelling. Please do your very best to continue with all our best wishes. But I know RL is a pain in the .... sometimes.
Author's reply
Yes, the story is rather dark at the moment. All I can say is: there is more to come, but sorry, I can't say more than that for now. :-) God willing, I will continue with this story till it is finished the way I've planned for it to. Thank you so much for your wishes and support, harrowcat!
RedSquirrel · 14 August 2006 · Chapter 23: Reawakening
I still can't get over those moments when Legolas and Aragorn are close together - so unlike, yet so necessary to each other! "leaning on each other for strength against different hurts" Let me savour these moments again ... (falling hopelessly into daydreams for the rest of the morning) Shelob's lair and its inhabitant are every bit as gruesome and repulsive as I remembered, or even more so. Yet for such friendship it seems worthwhile to face any monster - maybe even a gigantic cockroach (my own personal nightmare) ;-), even if it scares me silly just to think about it. Let's hope Aragorn won't pay too dearly for it! But that spell, etched into the skull - what's it say, huh? what's it say? I know, I know - plot police standing at attention! But if it is directed against the King of Gondor, how can they hope to warn him in time now? They will quite simply be too late, and there is no wizard left to undo the spell, if that is at all possible (or is there?). But - since I have to wait for your update - I trust you have not cornered Aragorn without the least possibility of escape. (Or have you? ;-)
Author's reply
AAAAAHHH Gigantic cockroach - that's MY nightmare too *shudder and double shiver* :-( I can't even stand an itty-bitty one. If I had to face one, I'd want a golden elf and ruggedly handsome king with me, actually - around me, to keep me from that wretched beast *ugh*. But since I thankfully don't have to face such a creepy monster, I can write about two friends who do. And I'm glad you like their moments of closeness, because I love writing them! :-) As for the rest of your questions about what happens to Aragorn and what the skull says, I'll have to refer to Plot Guide Chapter 24 now, won't I?... *flips pages*... aaaah, there it is. And it reads: "Aragorn..." oh.. the writing's faded. I need more heat. :-D See you when the embers are hot enough again? Legolass
eliza61 · 8 August 2006 · Chapter 23: Reawakening
Mae govannen Legolass, Welcome back and thanks for another fine chapter. Please give Sam an extra hug today, he is absolutely wondeful. Isn't that a true hero, getting to the heart of the matter and seeing it done. On the other hand I'm about to choke both Aragorn and Legolas. I specifically remember Estel being told to stay outside!! One question? The phrase that Legolas (and I'm assuming Frodo)said with the phail, what does it mean? Whew you definitely have a knack with scaring the bejeesus out of me with your villians ( and I thought Sambaq was a evil one)Shelob is a nasty lady to be sure. Now usually I always want you to post right away but I'm on holiday the next two weeks and won't have access to a computer, so this would be a great time for you to rest, take a vacation, redecorate your kitchen any thing but update (smile) Hugs, Eliza
Author's reply
Mae govannen, my friend, I'm still snowed under with work, but I wanted to catch you before you left and wish you a great time, wherever you're going. I don't think you'll need to worry about me posting before you're back. :-) I shall give Sam that hug for you, AND tell Aragorn and Legolas how upset you are with them - they never listen. But then, this writer isn't helping either, is she? Steer clear of spiders on your vacation, and see you next update. Hugs Legolass Author Reply: Oops, I forgot to answer your question: the phrase that Frodo (and Legolas in my story) uttered when holding the Phial means 'Hail, Eärendil, brightest of Stars.'
Linda Hoyland · 7 August 2006 · Chapter 23: Reawakening
A truly chilling chapter,you have me very worried indeed about Aragorn. I likwed the light heared moment with the dwarfs to lighten the tension.You show both Aragorn's greatness and his frailty well here as well as how much he is loved.
Author's reply
Oh Valar! I just realised that I have not replied to your kind review for Chapter 23!!! My apologies, Linda. *Blush blush blush, insert sheepish look here* I know why I delayed the response. I wanted to tell you THANK YOU not just for the review left here, but also for the only review "For the Love..." received at the MEFA Awards site, lol. I'm not too familiar with that site, and it took me some time to even visit it and find out how things work there, so it delighted me to see the review from you. :-) Thank you, and I think you made a great point there re the missing info at the end of that tale. I did realise it after I'd finished the story but got too lazy to go back in and add to it. But I will some day, that's my resolution; after all, you took the trouble to point it out. As for what you said in Chapter 23 of THIS tale -- well, you have every right to be worried about Aragorn, as you will soon find out. (Oh, and I enjoyed your typos too, lol!) My thanks, Linda. Legolass
Elflingimp · 7 August 2006 · Chapter 23: Reawakening
I know I left or tried to leave a review on F.F. but this sight is much easier so I will be reviewing here,Also I have a new grandson! A little boy Jacob 7LBS.4oz. Yeah! Im a gramma again!
Author's reply
CONGRATULATIONS Granny Elflingimp!! I love how you remain an 'imp' despite being a grand-naneth. Like me, you're young at heart. :-D I love hearing from you at whichever site, so thanks so much for making the effort to review here. Hugs for you and little Jacob. Legolass p.s. If I had grandchildren, I'd twist my children's arms to make their middle names Legolas, Aragorn, etc... but no such luck yet! :-D
Calenlass Greenleaf · 6 August 2006 · Chapter 23: Reawakening
No! You can't do this!!! Please go on--pretty please? Excellent. You've captured the descriptions very well---nasty spiders. Then again, i've always hated spiders-LOL.
Author's reply
Lol - I will go on, but only in the next chapter, I'm afraid. Thanks for your interest and see you next update. Legolass
Noor · 6 August 2006 · Chapter 23: Reawakening
Oooh! Poor Aragorn. Excellent story, sorry I have not left a review earlier but I have been avisly reading this story. Can't wait for the next chapter. Noor
Author's reply
Hello Noor, Thanks very much for your compliment. Have I not asked before if you are from Malaysia or Indonesia? Your name sounds familiar. You can answer via email if you like, at mazquendi@msn.com. Legolass
vampfan30 · 6 August 2006 · Chapter 23: Reawakening
Wow --- I'm on the edge of my seat again & it is absolutely killing me......
Author's reply
Hang on, don't fall off. Survive till the next chapter. :-) Legolass
Alison H · 6 August 2006 · Chapter 23: Reawakening
Yikes! A giant, giant spider chasing me in the dark is probably my worse nightmare--and the bravery of Aragorn, Legolas, Elrohir and little Sam left me breathless and on the edge of my seat.Phew, you know how to scare your readers :D I really thought that Legolas was going to face Shelob alone but, really, I should have known better! There was no way that Aragorn would ever let Legolas face such a danger by himself and I loved the words they said to each other before they began their trek.You know how to pull at the heartstrings, too! So, the young dwarves save the day.Good for them and Gimli seemed as proud as punch that his kin had discovered the hidden words.Let's hope that Celeborn can decipher their meaning to help Aragorn--at the moment he needs all the help he can get! My, what a cliffy! Is Aragorn going to become Shelob's latest meal or will Legolas somehow save his friend.I can't wait to find out. Great chapter, Legolass.Keep up the wonderful work.I hope that real life gives you more time to write soon.Take care. Ali.
Author's reply
Hi Ali, so nice to be able to post and hear from wonderful friends like you -- aaah! My schedule will not be letting up anytime soon, I'm afraid, but I'll find time to write somehow. Glad you got both the scaries and the feelies from this chapter. You will know whether Aragorn survives Shelob next chapter. :-) Thanks very much for reading and reviewing so soon. Legolass
Grumpy · 16 July 2006 · Chapter 22: The Unexpected
Good thing the rock reached out and grabbed Estel. He does have a problem with cliffs. On the way down, they should put a rope arround him. Safe for the mattress saleman to close up shop for the day. Hmmm, how to get a spider to come out of hiding. I guess covering Sam with honey, and using him as bait, is out of the question.
Author's reply
The rock reached out and grabbed Estel -- yes, that's exactly what happened, lol. I will also consider slathering Sam with honey as you suggested, but I somehow think that the spider would go for the hobbit rather than the honey. :-) Thanks for the review and the laugh, grumpy.
RedSquirrel · 15 July 2006 · Chapter 22: The Unexpected
Pheeeeew! That was a close shave... just imagine Legolas had really hurled himself after Aragorn before realizing what was about to happen - that would have been tragic! I don't even want to think about it *shudder*. But I'm not fooled - that was not the worst that you have in store for him (and us). That horrible fall was just a "minor incident" - although it may hurt a lot (wish I could send some herbs and salves ;-). It is not what the Lady sent the phial for at any rate, even though it frightened the living daylights out of your faithful rodent. So I will try to pick up my scattered wits and shaken nerves for the oncoming chapters! :-) But the second part relieved the tension quite nicely. *giggles* Yes, skulls have been used as ashtrays before (even by some good friends of mine) ;-) Mhmmm... did the hot ash reveal some spell that Saruman has wrought, by any chance? Most intriguing! I'm riveted to the screen, as usual!
Author's reply
Lol - I only imagined that somewhere, someone would turn skulls into ashtrays with cheeky callousness, and not meaning disrespect but simply being practical. I'm glad that you confirmed that assumption - thank you! :-) So you don't think our beloved Elf and ranger's worst troubles are over? Wonder why. So close now to the end: they are already at Shelob's doorstep; the Phial is there to light the darkness and Aragorn's haunters will soon fulfill their oath. Right? :-) "Mhmmm... did the hot ash reveal some spell that Saruman has wrought, by any chance?" Hmmmm.. hard to tell. *peering into next chapter* SLAP! oops - plot police say: NO PEEPING. Guess we'll have to wait and see huh? Thank you, my furry friend, for your visit. Have a great wait - er - week. :-) And I hope your best friend is doing okay. Finished reading all the chaps of "For the Love..."? Legolass Author Reply: Ummm... sorry if I got that wrong. Were you the one who told me you had been reading "For the Love..." to her best friend while she was undergoing chemotherapy? If it wasn't you. sorry. *grin* Legolass Author Reply: (Third part of review reply): Now I'm thinking I did get it wrong - I think it was someone else *sheepish grin*
Linda Hoyland · 12 July 2006 · Chapter 22: The Unexpected
Thank Goodness Aragorn is too badly hurt !I wish he could go home to some much needed TLC, though. I loved the way you had him worry about Eldarion. Gripping and well written as always.
Author's reply
I knew you'd be glad your hero is not too badly injured, but he is hurting, and I bet he would like that TLC. Poor man - he does miss his family. But he still has that task to finish doesn't he? Thanks for reading and reviewing, Linda.
eliza61 · 9 July 2006 · Chapter 22: The Unexpected
Inhale, exhale, inhale. Ok I think I'm breathing again. Well done Legolass and welcome back! Nope, you are not rid of your faithful fans that easily. Your pretty much stuck with us. Your punishement for such superb writing. I think Legolas and Elrohir(along with yours truly) just aged about 10,000 years after that scare (unfortunately unlike Leggy and the twins, my scares are going to show up as evil little wrinkles on my face. So no more elf or ranger owies). Poor Gimili, I think he's a step or two from throwing himself out of a window. Youth!! Thanks for the great chapter! P.S. (Aahhhh! I forgot to save this chapter for tomorrow, Ohmygod I've got a meeting 7:30 in the morning. Help!) Yours in friendship, Eliza
Author's reply
Aiii, an orc-torture session at 7.30 in the morning!! Is that cliff looking mighty inviting about now...? No wonder you're so desperate for updates to occupy your time then! Wish I had the next chapter to offer you, but... nope, not done yet. I have to at least let you get rid of those current wrinkles first, right? :-) Thank you for the note. I'm delighted to be stuck with wonderful readers like you. (I think your torture should be underway at this time - good luck, my friend.)
harrowcat · 9 July 2006 · Chapter 22: The Unexpected
Oh no! I'm not jumping ship. You can't get rid of me that easily!!! You are as stuck with me as Aragorn is with Legolas or Frodo with Sam - Well in a virtual Author /Reviewer sense. Enjoying each chapter as and when they come, especially the light-hearted dwarves and the skull! Must admit that I am also looking forward to the end so that I can re-read it all at the same time for the excitement.
Author's reply
Hi my feline friend! I would love to be 'stuck' with you till the end. Thank you. But when will that be? Next chapter, you think? We'll see... The dwarves will be there. :-) Will look for you there too.
lwarren · 9 July 2006 · Chapter 22: The Unexpected
Ah, Legolass, Queen of the Evil Cliffies *bows low*...My head is spinning, too! :-) When I read your note at the bottom, I just had to review because I now have MY OWN COMPUTER at home *silly, gleeful grin* and can do so once more! I know what you mean about writing slowly - you may be the Queen of leaving readers hanging over the bottomless pit, but I am the Queen of Slow! LOL Just wanted to reassure you that, while I haven't been able to review, I have been reading and enjoying this wonderful little ghosty story. This chapter was great, as usual...I love the interaction between Aragorn and Legolas - their friendship shines brightly in dark places, doesn't it? So glad that little lip of cliff was there to catch the King and that his lovely self remains mostly intact! So we are at the entrance to Her Creepiness' hole, are we? Yuck! I can't wait for the confrontation - I just KNOW you have something particularly upsetting in mind for Aragorn, because I have a feeling that the Dead have something entirely different planned for Estel than just killing the big ugly arachnid and being released from the curse. That would be entirely too easy for our heroes. (You know you are so mean to them, don't you? :-)) Now, on to the dwarves...Legolass, I just love your Gimli and his two friends! LOL What a hoot those two are! *snicker* And practical, too! After all, when someone has been dead for untold years, and was probably a baddie to boot, why shouldn't we play with his skull? *gasp..choke..snickers again* And Gimli...uh, excuse me...Elder *hehe*, as touchy and grumpy as the proverbial 'moose with nettles in his rump'? ROTFL Uh, sorry...Well...*taps foot impatiently*...what did those three find? And it best be the answer, because me thinks Aragorn will be in sore need of the information shortly! Wonderful chapter, just great! Update when you can - but you do understand I am holding my breath in suspense and turning blue until you do... linda
Author's reply
Ah, Linda - so you have your own computer at home now - congratulations! It must be hard to keep in touch with our LOTR world without frequent access to it online, so I hope you enjoy it. And I know I'd love to hear from you again. :-) So you think Aragorn's self "lovely", do you? :-) The poor guy is pretty battered up at the moment, though, no thanks to me. And he won't get much rest either, what with Her Creepiness to contend with. But then - it will just be one quick swipe of the sword. Won't it? Bragor and Dagor must love you; you could speak up for them re the skull, they're already inviting you there. :-D Thanks for writing again, Linda - love hearing from you. And try to breathe, breathe... till the next chapter.
vampfan30 · 9 July 2006 · Chapter 22: The Unexpected
WOWWWW!!!!!! I am absolutely speechless....... Okay really, really, really good........ uhm, yeah..........
Author's reply
Lol - thanks, vampfan. Even your speechless presence says something here. :-)
Alison H · 9 July 2006 · Chapter 22: The Unexpected
Ow, ow ,ow! I think I felt every bump and bruise Aragorn received as he fell--and my heart was in my mouth, too.I loved Legolas' reaction as his beloved friend fell to almost certain death,the sheer,unbridled panic and terror he felt as he looked on helplessly.My, was my heart thumping! The Valar were certainly looking kindly upon Aragorn when his fall was stopped by the crag of rock.Ouch--that must have hurt! Legolas' reckless slide to be at Aragorn's side was perfectly understandable in the circumstances and I felt his fear when Aragorn was slow to respond to his friends'calls.When Aragorn did respond I was relieved,too.Legolas'threat to Aragorn was very endearing! Now, what have the two little rascals discovered? Has it anything to do with the skull? Mmm, I'm very intrigued! I don't think there have been many readers who have 'jumped ship' as you say.Your stories are always worth waiting for and I'll always see them to the end.Update when you can and the next chapter will definitely be worth the wait!
Author's reply
Ouch, ouch, ouch - bumpy ride for you too huh, Ali? Aragorn is really hurting now, and Legolas right along with him, and all of us with them. :-) Oh, I don't blame readers for giving up if they have - I just can't write any faster and remain true to the story, so that delays things. But I appreciate your constant presence, I really do. Especially as the ride isn't quite over yet... but we'll have to wait to find out just where it;s going to go right? See you next chapter, my friend.
Calenlass Greenleaf · 9 July 2006 · Chapter 22: The Unexpected
Phew! At least Aragorn's going to be okay. While waiting for this chapter, I was thinking, "Oh no. What if...?" I enjoy this story--can't wait to read the next.
Author's reply
Yes, Calenlass, Aragorn's all right... for now. But what else could possibly happen, right? ;-) Thank you for writing in. Glad you're still reading.