daw the minstrel
· 9 September 2005
· Chapter 38: The Pawn
I'm so sorry about your daughter, Nightwing. I hope all goes well for her and for you.
So this is the use to which Legolas was to be put. He was set up pretty thoroughly. It will be interesting to see what role the child has to play. The bad guy wasn't counting on him.
Author's reply
Hi daw. Thanks for your well wishes. My daughter has been diagnosed with an anxiety disorder, and for a time there her fears were overtaking everything in her life. She was starving herself amongst other difficulties. It was very frightening and distressing, and we did not know what to do for her, but we rushed for professional help and gradually things are settling. It may be that she will always need extra care and attention, but her ability to live a happy and relatively normal life has been restored.
And the professionals tell me that Mommy must maintain a hobby or two of her own and not become totally consumed by the child's struggles lest she become overwhelmed by stress herself. So I am trying to carve out just a bit of time for myself again and return to my writing. Slow and steady, one day at a time!
French Pony
· 9 September 2005
· Chapter 38: The Pawn
I hope your child feels better soon. Give her a hug and a cup of chicken soup from me.
So Legolas has been set up, but good. And so has everyone else in town. Old Ramhar has clearly been planning this for a long time, and it would not surprise me in the least to learn that he's already figured out that Legolas is blind. Or, for that matter, that he's been watching Aragorn and Legolas since they first arrived at that old cottage. Evil is clever. And the council is probably a little too comfortable and easily led.
I'm holding out that Tarnan will be able to see through all the misdirection and figure out what's really going on. He seems like a smart, observant kid, and Alun seems to have taught him well. Once he gets over his shock, he'll probably realize that he saw things that maybe the adults figured he'd miss. If only he can get a chance to talk to Legolas alone and then talk to Alun.
Author's reply
Hello French Pony. Nice to see you.
Yes, the council was perhaps a bit too easily led. I might try to fix that a bit later on, when the story is finished and I find myself compelled to effect repairs. I see things all over the place that need fixing big time. Crappy sentences, little details, the odd typo. It irks the perfectionist in me.
Tarnan is a smart kid, and I'm counting on him to keep his wits about him! We need that boy.
bookworm
· 9 September 2005
· Chapter 38: The Pawn
Hi! Lurker de-lurking to tell you I love your story, its well written and the pace is interesting. Also, I hope your child feels better soon, take as much time off as you need.
Author's reply
Thnaks for delurking! I love it when people come out. Child is better, the writing has resumed. I fear it will come more slowly than ever, but come it will! I will see it through.
lindahoyland
· 8 September 2005
· Chapter 38: The Pawn
I see the plot beginning to untangle clearly now ! Poor Legolas and Alun and Tarnan.I assume Sauron is behind it all ?Gripping as always.
I hope your child is soon better,do not worry about writing until she is fully recovered.
Author's reply
Sauron, that rotten bugger! He always seems to find evil minions to do his dirty work.
My child is better, though she will be in need of special care for a long time to come. But she smiles again, and she plays, and she eats for now. We take it day by day. Thank you for your good wishes.
Legolass
· 8 September 2005
· Chapter 38: The Pawn
Another great chapter - the plot thickens, and now two hearts are in pain.
Sorry to hear about your child as well, Nightwing. I hope it is nothing too serious and that she recovers soon.
Author's reply
Hey there! I wanted to let you know I did begin reading "For the Love of the Lord of the White Tree". I got through just the first couple of chapters when things got too crazy here at home and I was yanked away from the wonderful world of fanfic. I do intend to get back to it just as quickly as I can and give you some reviews. It seems to be well-loved by your readers. That's a good sign!
My daughter has an anxiety disorder, and things became very difficult for her in late summer. We sought the assistance of prefessionals, and my husband and I are learning all we can about how to help her. Things have calmed down, and so I hope to devote a bit of time once again to my writing. The new chapter is coming together slowly but surely, and I hope to post before the holidays.
Lamiel
· 8 September 2005
· Chapter 38: The Pawn
I'm so full of conflicting emotions that I hardly know where to begin. My first reaction to seeing this posting was surprise, and delight. I hadn't expected it so soon, and it was with real pleasure that I started to read the new chapter.
Then as Legolas explored his surroundings I began to understand how Ramhar and the others had caught him in their plot, and by the time he found the body I was screaming at him to get out of there. But at the same time I have to give recognition to you for a fantastic build-up -- Legolas has been in the dark, the dungeon and the cart, for so long that I'd almost forgotten he was in fact blind. The slow revelation: the draft from the windows, the feel of the carpet and the linens and the bed and finally the body, was just brilliantly done.
And then! Vile, base treachery! I'm furious at Ramhar, and also I have to concede that, for a horrible immoral man, he does do a very good dastardly plot. Framing Legolas for the murder is perfect -- how better to get the people's support to invade Mirkwood? And he wins himself rule of the city all in one masterful stroke. And drugging Legolas, and tying the thread to the washstand -- grr. Why do the villains have to be so darn smart? Reading the conversation between him and Malcovan was like watching a perfectly scripted play, with each piece of the puzzle falling neatly into place.
But bringing the boy into it was just cruel. Cruel, Nightwing, even for a mistress of angst such as yourself. Yet it was worth it, from my perspective, just for the image of Legolas with that tear running down his cheek. How on earth can you manage such visuals, when we are in Legolas' POV, and he's BLIND? I am so impressed I can hardly tell you.
And at last we have some real revelations about this sorcerer. Oh yes. A servant of Sauron, undoubtedly, or possibly even a worshipper of Morgoth. And I think that explains the Orcs that helped kill Legolas' mother, too. And oh, when he drew his nail down Legolas' cheek "like a chilled blade" -- that sent shivers all down my spine.
Everything is in place now, and the enemies have laid their plans perfectly. All except for that pesky ranger out in the wilderness somewhere. He'd better get moving, too, before someone decides they need Legolas to "confess."
P.S. I am very sorry to hear that your daughter is ill. My thoughts are with you, and I pray she has a swift and full recovery very soon. You are incredibly generous to share this chapter with us, when you have such more important concerns at hand.
Author's reply
Hello Lamiel! Here I am at last, trying to catch up with my dear readers and let them know I have not abandoned them. I have finally been able to begin fleshing out the next chapter and begin putting some words to paper. My intention is to get it out by Thanksgiving, but we both know how easily our plans can be derailed!
Thank you for your well wishes concerning my daughter. She broke with an anxiety disorder late in the summer and we have had a real struggle in getting her functioning normally again and learning how to handle her. She was starving herself. Very frightening. Things have improved since then, but much work remains, and we have been warned this could be a lifelong struggle for her. I am still very much occupied with her well-being, but also know that I need to reclaim some "me" time, for my own health and happiness. She is better now, and I'm hoping to allow myself some writing time again. The story may progress at a snail's pace, but progress it will. Thanks again for your concern.
ThePastIsPrologue
· 8 September 2005
· Chapter 38: The Pawn
Hello. I'm Ashley and I'm a lurker. *crowd murmurs* "Hello Ashley"
I'm so sorry that I don't review every one of these chapters. I cherish...honestly and truly cherish...each and every update. You're one of the few authors that I honestly get excited about seeing an update. I'd normally review on ff.net, but I've lost a lot of respect for them lately, so I've chosen to conduct reviews here.
I'm horrified (a silly reaction to a story, I'm sure :)) by the twist your story has taken. As soon as I read that he had a dagger in hand I knew exactly what was happening. You're wonderfully evil...you do know that, right? We're all still holding out for Legolas to be healed (and now rescued. Where are those exhiles when you need em?), and I *know* we were all hoping to hear from Aragorn and his rescuers this chapter.
I'm so sorry to hear about your daughter. None of us would dare rile you for devoting your time to her. She'll be in our prayers. If you need anything, just email me.
Best,
Ash
Author's reply
Hello Ashley! Thank you for delurking. And I'm glad you chose to review here. It is much easier for me to respond to readers. FFN seems to be discouraging responses. Here it is encouraged.
Finally I have been able to devote a bit of time this story and start work on the new chapter. I hope to keep my momentum going and get it out to you before Thanksgiving. I appreciate your patience and your good wishes for my daughter. Thank you.
WindSinger
· 25 August 2005
· Chapter 37: Helpless
Finally, a bit of time to send you a review of this wonderful chapter. Love that Legolas finds that his blindness presents new obstacles now that he is a captive, tied & gagged, alone in the silence. That the darkness, in this situation, threatens to overwhelm him, even though he had done a fairly good job of learning to live with his blindness up to this point, makes so much sense. And the ways he finally learns (or discovers) to help him cope, using faint echos to determine that there really are walls, and making his bindings creak just to have the comfort of noise -- ways to remind himself he is not lost in some black void of nothingness. Oh --- very nice! Very realistic. It seems so real it is almost as if I am living the experience along with him.
And then, Ramhar! Legolas looks just like - her - his mother? Oooooh, the glimmer of a piece of an answer appears! But it is just a tease: Who is Ramhar? What is his connection to the Mirkwood Elves? Why tell his men that all elves are evil? Does he want to --- what? Destroy the Mirkwood elves? How? Why? ACK!
And I am really starting to like Koryon. So, maybe not all of the townspeople, or even all of Ramhar's soldiers, are beyond reason and independent thought. Hope remains!
And I am so looking forward to more Aragorn and another piece or two of the puzzle. I can hardly wait until Legolas & Aragorn are at least together again. And how will Legolas regain his sight? Or will he? And how do the young prince and his protector fit in?
Oh my -- such delicious, lovely anxt, suspense and mystery!
I am so glad you had a chance to post this chapter earlier than you thought you could -- although, I do hope your house situation works out soon! I will be trying to remind myself to be patient as I eagerly wait the next installment!!!
Kudos -- WindSinger
Author's reply
Yeah, Ramhar has a grudge. He's a misguided guy in his own way, and his misunderstandings makes it worse for everyone else since he is a leader and tells tales that influence.
Hope does remain... otherwise, how awful this tale might become! I like happy endings, or at least just and proper endings, so we do have a way to go before this puppy wraps up. I just wish I could find more time to write it!
The next chapter is in the hands of my beta-reader, so you should be seeing it fairly soon.
Bev
· 24 August 2005
· Chapter 37: Helpless
Nightwing!!! Sorry to be so late with a review..but I just now found you had posted a new chapter (I know...shame on me for not keeping a closer vigil).
Gee, I don't know where to begin. Everyone else has said exactly what I would say...so I'll just say DITTO!! The panic that Legolas feels...is palpable...you write that so well. So glad he has someone (the guard) to ease his pain...if but just for a moment. Perhaps he has begun to chip away at the lies and make him see that he has been deceived....it take but just a crack in the dam.
I know I've said this before but I'll say it again....I LOVE THIS STORY! It is just the best. *sigh* Oh how I would love to cuddle Leggy in my arms and make all the pain go away....(I know..he's yours...but I would just borrow him for a little while)...LOL. Looking forward to the next chapter. Best of luck with your house...stay well...Peace!
Bev
Author's reply
No problem at all that you came in late! In fact, late reviews that arrive unexpectedly in my inbox please me. They are a little extra gift after the big flurry of reviews that come during the first few days of posting. Let's me know people are still out there.
Sorry, but the elf cannot be lent out at the moment. He's got more to deal with first before I'll permit much comfort. Look for the next chapter in about two or three weeks.
ziggy
· 24 August 2005
· Chapter 37: Helpless
(I have come to LOATHE efefnet!!!Just thought I'd pass that on. Think I may have already reviewed under FF but still worth reviewing again)
And I love this. Brilliantly written- carefully crafted and totally worth the wait- in fact, not as long a wait as I expected so thank you.
This is the fourth time I have come back to this chapter and now cannot resist the lure any longer- have to spend some hours printing off the lot and reading it again ... and again. As I do when I find a really well written and planned story. Have I said I love it?
Oh the MENACE! THe absolute sense of experiencing things through Legolas' senses! And the delicious angst.
(PLEASE tell me that Tithlam is OK. Still worried about a fictional cat- how sad is that!!! If she isnt OK- just say she is - humour me..please.)
This chapter made me remember again just how hard it was for Legolas to lose the sense he most depended upon, sight - and then finding another way to survive through sounds in particular, to lose that also is desparate. One of the great things about your portrayal of Legolas is that he is ingenious and inventive, so he never becomes a passive object of pity (which would be completely out of character) And the idea that the sound anchors him, gives him a sense of the world beyond him, is remarkable and deeply perceptive. As I read, I was saying under my breath, yes, that is what would happen - that is what it would be like.
Ah but 'being forced to wait helplessly for whatever his captors (read Nightwing) had planned for him (read ... poor impatient greedy and utterly selfish readers)made time slow to an intoleerable crawl... In other words update ASAP please for greedy readers who cant wait!!
Author's reply
Yes, I am non-too-fond of FFN myself. But, for better or for worse, the vast majority of the readers frequent that site, so I must grit my teeth and play their games.
Printing it all off? Oh my, that is a compliment. Thank you. I hope I don't blow your paper and toner cartridge budget too badly.
Tithlam is OK, and that is no lie. She knows how to run when she needs to.
I'm happy that Legolas has won your approval with his actions. He is very much at effect in his current situation, and quite helpless (sigh...) but he is doing his best not to be passive. He'll fight on. That's the fine elven warrior we know and love.
Tathrin
· 22 August 2005
· Chapter 37: Helpless
A beautiful chapter. I'm very, very impressed with how well you can write without using visual descriptions. I just need to keep saying that, because I can't believe that it's possible for you to not rely on visuals with a story as detailed as this. It's just amazing. I'm sure it's hard, but it certainly pays off. Simple marvellous. This chapter's sensory-deprivation bit was incredible.
And I'm very glad to see this surprise update! Good luck on everything with the house. And don't worry, I'm sure we'll all be here waiting eagerly whenever you can manage to come back.
After all, it's certainly a suspensful tale. I love how you tied in the queen. And the young soldier--very interesting, indeed. Seems that not all the villains minions are being good little minions. And speaking of said villain...my, what is he planning? I have a feeling it will be very, very bad. Like, words-cannot-describe bad...but I have complete confidence in your abilities to do so elegantly, and without a single image no less!
You blow me away every time. Huzzah to you, and good luck with the rest of everything!
~Rhys-from-ffnet-the-jerks-who-won't-let-you-reply-to-reviews ;)
Author's reply
Hello Tathrin/Rhys! This site is so nice for responding to readers.
It is hard to write from the POV of a character without sight. Harder than heck sometimes. It's one of the reasons my updates take so darned long!
I have got a lot of loose ends to tie together by the end of this story. I've backed myself into a couple of corners, due to my inexperience as a writer, so we'll see if I can pull everything together and make the tale believable when the time comes to wrap it all up.
Alison H
· 20 August 2005
· Chapter 37: Helpless
Hey, Nightwing.
I was just re-reading this brillaint story(again!)and apart from being impressed with your writing talent once again I came across an interesting comment you made to a reviewer.In one of the earlier chapters you said that you would like to write about how and when Aragorn & Legolas met.As you write their relationship so beautifully I would love your take on how our two adventurers first encountered each other.You may even have something like that planned for this story, maybe in a flashback.I hope so as I wonder if the two of them were instant soul mates or their friendship grew over the years.See, we're all obsessed by this story--but it's a wonderful, worthwhile obsession!
Looking forward to the next incredible chapter!
Take care.
Ali.
Author's reply
I do not plan to look into the first meeting of the elf and ranger in this story. Lord knows it's long enough, what with everything and everyone that has been clamoring to be included.
I am still having furious arguments with the elven-king, darn him. He wants in...
Ireth
· 13 August 2005
· Chapter 37: Helpless
OH,love, what a sweet surprise to see your update, so unexpected, so appreciated!! The emotions Legolas is having in the dark remind me a lot of when I was young and scared of the dark myself. So real, so recognizable!!
I'm in awe of this story, I love it and will check regularly if there's an update! Please take your time, take care of yourself and your loved ones, good luck with the house and all, and lots of hugs and kisses!!!
Author's reply
The dark can be a be a pretty scary place, and when there is also silence, it can be too much. Nothing like sensory deprivation to wig someone out.
anne
· 7 August 2005
· Chapter 37: Helpless
its such a great story, can't wait till the next update
Author's reply
Thanks. It should be next month, if things stay on track.
Eldariel
· 5 August 2005
· Chapter 37: Helpless
*exalts Nightwing* Thank you for posting the chapter. I was sort of going crazy with not having updates.(seriously there were a couple times I started breathing really fast and getting all worked up) I really love To See A World. It is the best fanfic I've ever read. Please update again soon!
Author's reply
Yikes, please do not hyperventilate! I get a little worked up too, though. It's what keeps us all writing and reading. Elf and ranger lust, pure and simple.
Agent Fissh
· 5 August 2005
· Chapter 37: Helpless
Ooooh, this is getting good! Hang on, what am I talking about? It got good AGES ago and is still steaming ahead!
I am very glad you updated again. Wasn't expecting you to until next month when I would be back at Uni, but here you are to brighten my holidays! How wonderful!
Poor Legolas, he does get put through a lot for our entertainment, doesn't he? When you've finished with him send him my way and I'll take him to the spa to relax. I think he'll have deserved it by then. And possibly Aragorn too. Then we can all toddle off to the pub for some anesthetic...
Keep writing. I wait with baited breath for the next instalment. Oh, and good luck destroying your house!
AGF
Author's reply
Nope, sorry. You can't have them. Legolas and Aragorn are mine, I tell you, all mine!! And I will never be finished with them. Mwahahaha!
Er, right. Sorry, just got a bit carried away. My evil muse must still be going strong. They will need a good rest and some pampering once this is all over. But I'm coming too. And the collar stays on the elf.
Ridleyfan
· 5 August 2005
· Chapter 37: Helpless
Hi Nightwing!
What a wonderful surprise to see an update several weeks before I would be looking for one.
Another brilliant chapter - I thought the torment of close confinement in the box was bad enough for our elf and harrowing to read, but this latest ordeal had my heart racing, palms sweating,and I knawed continuously at my fingernails. The elf's terror and the pain of extreme restraint was excellently realised. The atmosphere of menace in the cell was unremitting.
The brief interlude with the young soldier was perfect to relieve the tension and bleak discomfort. You have to wonder at his courage and compassion in approaching a being that he had been told had formidable powers and was an enemy. It's very interesting that he is ready to question what he has been told by finding out for himself.
I love and admire the suspense and mystery you have woven through this story - it's given me so much pleasure to read it.
And I can't wait to find out how our poor singed Aragorn is doing!!Hope to see another chapter soon.
Author's reply
Oooh, unrelenting menace! I like it.
Yes, the guard has a good heart. And there have been good stories to counter the bad. He is afraid, but also intrigued, as any of us would be when encountering our first elf!
Aragorn is pretty singed, the ppor guy, and all worn out at the moment. He's still snoozing somewhere up in the hills. Zzzz...
White Wolf
· 5 August 2005
· Chapter 37: Helpless
You did your usual superior job of describing how important sound is to Legollas, and how helpless he feels without it. You take us right there inside his head, as he battles with his fears and the awful physical pain our dear elf is going through.
It is nice he has one person who is willing to help him, even though the poor guy has some very weird ideas about elves. No wonder the people fear them.
It breaks my heart that Legolas thinks Aragorn is dead. Not only does he miss his friend, but the loss leaves him totally alone with no one to really understand.
I hope you can manage another update soon. This one was a most pleasant surprise.
Author's reply
Hey there. Sorry about the delay in responding to you. I went on a little vacation.
I'm glad you liked the update. I found it a bit of a challenge to write. Trying to get into the head of a blind elf is not the easiest of undertakings.
The next chapter is coming along. Hope to get it posted next month.
Marion (FF.net)
· 1 August 2005
· Chapter 37: Helpless
An update, yay! You can't imagine how glad I am that you updated this story, one of my favourite in the whole fandom! This chapter was excellent. Once more, writing from a blind elf's point of view gives a fascinating twist to your story. I especially enjoyed it when Legolas's cell and restraints turn out to be what saves him from completely panicking and losing himself in terror and grief.
I like Koryon's character and hope that we'll get to see more of him in the following chapters. Can't wait for the boy who visited our two heroes in the cabin (can't remember his name, sorry) to realise that legolas has been captured...
Looking forward to next update, good luck with your house,
Marion.
Author's reply
Tarnan the Boy Wonder will be back! We will see him briefly in the next chapter, in fact. He will be rather... startled... to see Legolas.
LenaLove
· 31 July 2005
· Chapter 37: Helpless
Yeah! You up-dated. Thank you for doing this for us, your humble readers. I appreciate RL has to be the priority, I just pray that you do not abandon this story. I have only one more thing to say: When is Alun going to reappear and console Legolas, when is the boy going to come back in to the story. I loved those two characters.
Thanks for the new chapter
Rona
Author's reply
Fear not! I will not abandon this story. Are you kidding... after all the work I have done on it?
Alun and the boy Tarnan will be back quite soon. We are in their territory now.
Lamiel
· 31 July 2005
· Chapter 37: Helpless
Oh, I was so happy to get notice that you'd updated this story! What a lovely treat -- for your readers at least. Your Legolas might be slightly less happy about developments.
Were we discussing Elf angst? Oh my dear, you are the master! It is a very, very tricky thing to pull off physical discomfort without going over the top, but you make it look almost easy. Legolas' pain and fear are vividly portrayed, but he doesn't wallow in it. He's still fighting, still has a warrior's discipline and spirit. He won't be broken, not this easily, and not by Ramhar anyway.
This interaction with the guard is very revealing, I think. It shows more of the deceptions that Ramhar has been feeding the men, working them up to invade Mirkwood, presumably. But none of your characters can be reduced to the type of cliche that haunts so many Elf torture fics, and even the relatively minor characters have their own minds. That could spell trouble for Ramhar, later on.
The last page, now -- this has to be one of the best dream transition sequences I've read in a long time. The nightmare is vivid and frightening, and flows smoothly into a waking that is, if anything, even worse. Legolas has some very good questions: how is it that Ramhar has the twin blade to Aragorn's borrowed sword? Why were the Orcs there if Ramhar killed Legolas' mother? I think it very possible that Ramhar could be in league with, or rather in service to, Sauron. In that case the Orcs could be working for him, or perhaps keeping an eye on him.
Now I dearly want to see where they are taking Legolas -- to Ramhar? Oh, I would love to see more of those two together. And there's this other, shadowy figure in the background. It'll be good to see how he interacts with Ramhar, and Legolas too. I suspect, however, that the next chapter will feature a return to Aragorn and his troubles. Poor Ranger needs his time for attention too.
Good luck with your house, and all the other meshuganah you have happening this summer. Thank you for this treat, and we shall be patiently awaiting the next update when you get the opportunity.
Author's reply
Greetings Lamiel!
I am delighted that I did not go over the top with the elf's physical discomfort. I could very well do so, as you know, it being a fetish of mine. But I want this to be a good story, not just elf thrashing.
Boy, am I glad you liked the dream into reality bit. I found it to be the toughest of the three sections to write. The first section was difficult too, getting into the thoughts and feelings of the elf while he's just sitting there. It could have gotten pretty darned tedious.
I do like my OCs. I have one more to introduce. She may be a bit of a cliche, but I hope I can make her believable and do well by her.
Sooo, how is your next chapter coming along? I'm quite anxious to see what comes next in Aragorn's whacky world.
Socket
· 30 July 2005
· Chapter 37: Helpless
Hi, Nightwing, it's me, Socket, from ff.net! Just wanted to say that I've added this story to my alert on this site, and that I'll be posting future reviews here, so you can respond to them without peril. Thanks!
Author's reply
Hello Socket! Glad you came over here. It's way better.
meckinock
· 29 July 2005
· Chapter 37: Helpless
Wow. I'm really glad to see you've updated this. Legolas's pain, grief, and sensory environment were all wonderfully depicted, and I like his developing relationship with the young man. Looking forward to the next chapter.
Author's reply
Hi Meckinock!
I enjoy introducing a few new characters to flesh out a story. Legolas and Aragorn have been pretty isolated for a long time, so it's time for some new folks.
They won't take the story over though. The focus is on the elf and the ranger all the way.
Gandalfs apprentice
· 29 July 2005
· Chapter 37: Helpless
Hi, Nightwing
Nice surprise. I hope your summer is being good to you. I of course enjoyed your chapter very much; your writing seems to have gotten better on your break. Missed Aragorn, though. Next chapter, please?
I've got some stories going here, for example, "Sword of Elendil," that you might like. You're the one that got me started doing this! So you owe it to me to take a look, right?
Your fan,
Gandalfs apprentice
Author's reply
Oh, I am always happy to hear that my writing improves. It has been nice to take a bit of a break. I've read a couple of books for pleasure, which was a luxury!
I got you started in writing? Goodness! No promises, but I'll see what I can do. I have a list, yours will go onto it.
RDR
· 29 July 2005
· Chapter 37: Helpless
WHat a wonderful surprise! Am in the midst of remodeling and cannot believe you found the time to give your loyal readers such a treat.
Once again you have captured so beautifully the essence of being blind. The passage about the lack of sound driving Legolas to despair is so wonderfully written without being mauldain (spelling--sorry, wanted to get this out before I have to start dinner!).
Very intrigued by the new character. Can't wait (but I will, patiently) to see his role and what has happened to Aragon.
Thank you, take care...
A very faithful reader,
RDR
Author's reply
Well, the house project has stalled for now, so I have been finding time to write here and there between work and family and other activities/obligations.
I work hard to make the elf's experiences and reactions believable. It's a challenge to write from the POV of a blind person; both rewarding and frustrating. Ther are days I cannot wait to again write him as a sighted elf, his magnificent bright eyes flashing!