Lyn
· 20 July 2004
· Chapter 26: Then the Perilous Path was Planted
This is one of my favorite stories. The imagery is so well portrayed, one feels one is actually there amongst the trees. The skill in writing allows one to
swiftly read yet always be conscious of what is occurring. There is no
confusion as to what is happening.
My biggest problem with this story is....it is wearying to have Legolas
continue to be blind, but that is only because I cling to the hope he will
regain his sight. Medically, the longer he is without sight dramatically diminishes his chances of ever regaining his sight. So, in a sense, I should resolve my feelings of hope and just admit he will always be blind.
Clinging to a false hope does no one any good. Unless he regains his sight,
this story will forever be the "blind Legolas" story to me.
As a reader, my feelings affect my enjoyment of the story. For me, real life has more than enough angst. I rarely read sad stories because they do not relieve me of the pain of real life. I still view reading as entertainment, or
as a distraction from the trials and tribulations of life. Thus, I seek stories that "end well" despite angst, sorrow, and difficulties for the protagonist.
You skill as a writer is enviable. I hope real life will allow you to
continue to provide readers with such high quality stories. Perhaps a future
story will contain more humor, less angst. (hint, hint!) Tithlam was a
stroke of genius. The cat who steals socks shall live forever in my memory!
And I do appreciate your research in preparation for your stories.
Best wishes to you and yours.
fliewatuet
· 20 July 2004
· Chapter 26: Then the Perilous Path was Planted
So now it has happened. I have feared it all along that Aragorn and Legolas would not manage to stay out of trouble for the entire winter, but this is not good! Legolas is in dire need of a good talk and some company, but Aragorn won't come home this night. And it's going to be a cold night! Now I am sitting on the edge of my seat and biting my nails in anticipation!
Muinthel
· 19 July 2004
· Chapter 26: Then the Perilous Path was Planted
oh ...what a ending......
I just loved the last two chapters.
And I liked your note on top of 25.....:-))))!
longer review is on its way via e-mail!!!!
Firnsarnien
· 18 July 2004
· Chapter 26: Then the Perilous Path was Planted
Well, congrads on the new job! ;) Hope things go well for you though I may cry if you take too long to update! LOL
Ai! I must say I froze at how cold it is this morning! I don't know how in the world, even for an Elf, Legolas can sleep outside in that tree! Sheesh! Although, I bet he did indeed look glorious sprawled out like that! *sigh* And I would have loved to have seen his face when he woke up, bark imprint indeed! LOL
Poor Leggy though, what a horrible dream. Too bad Aragorn wasn't around to comfort him when he woke. And that head pain, what's it mean, hmmm? Are you ever gonna tell us? Or just torment us longer, hmmm? :)
I thought for a minute, Legolas was going to give in to his despair. I'm glad he did not for I think Aragorn is going to need his help getting out of that trap. Who in the world set it? Do they know they are in that cabin? What is going on? The mysteries abound and it seems we are destined to dwell in darkness even as Legolas does! :( So many unanswered questions!
Please hurry with the next chappy! :)
Timmy2222
· 17 July 2004
· Chapter 11: First Steps
I really enjoy the story as a whole, but there are some things I cannot explain.
Since we got to know there are people living in the woods I begin to wonder why they did not find the old healer and tried to bury him. If Aragorn and Legolas could do it, why should they not? And the other question is why the people leave food on the doorstep. Would they not want to know who those strangers are? For I think they must know that this food will no longer be taken in by the healer.
And I might have missed it, but what is the real reason for Aragorn and Legolas to stay in that cottage and prepare for winter? Would they not prefer to return to Mirkwood as soon as Legolas has recovered?
Timmy :)
OakWolf
· 16 July 2004
· Chapter 26: Then the Perilous Path was Planted
whoa-Finest chapter in a while(not saying anything about other CHs but this one stuck out)the details,the foot clamp,the nightmare,all of it wow.
Valto
· 16 July 2004
· Chapter 26: Then the Perilous Path was Planted
oh no oh no oh no! and the saga goes on! Will Aragorn survive? Will Legolas, in his blindness, be able to help him? I cannot wait for more! Hurry hurry! :-D
French Pony
· 15 July 2004
· Chapter 26: Then the Perilous Path was Planted
What an excellently blended chapter! The beginning is light and pleasantly neutral -- Aragorn gets up to begin the day. The image of Legolas fast asleep in the tree is at once comical in the way that cats are funny when they sleep (or monkeys in trees -- dignity in repose is always amusing) and touching and relieving, because it seems like he's finally released a big ol' wad of tension and is getting the rest he so desperatly needs.
And then, of course, you look below the surface, and you discover that below this peaceful, charming exterior, there is a horrifying nightmare of violent loss. Clearly, Legolas has not come close to working out all of his demons. They're there, churning right below the surface. And what an interesting transition, from the vivid visual images of dreams to the blackness of blind waking. Of course Legolas is going to be a wreck all day, especially without Aragorn to take care of him. And he does need taking care of, emotionally as well as physically.
But. . . dun dun DUN. . . it looks like there will be other things that take priority, as Aragorn learns that he has made a sneaky yet very determined enemy. This enemy has clearly been stalking him for a while, since the trap was set where he likes to go walking. Considering what it takes to snare a Ranger, this is a formidable enemy indeed.
I'm still fascinated by your use of spring-tooth traps. Technically, they shouldn't work as a written part of Middle-earth, for I think they weren't invented until the 18th or 19th centuries. But they do function beautifully, because they are the product of industry, always a negative association in Tolkien. They are an anachronism, but an anachronism that works very well.
grumpy
· 14 July 2004
· Chapter 26: Then the Perilous Path was Planted
@#$%! as the ranger might be muttering right now. always knew you could not trust what was under the snow, or the snow for that matter. Don't suppose the cat could bring Legolas to Aragorn, or at least bring him some of his spare socks. she is most likely back at the cabin sitting on a pile of them, thinking "mine, all mine"
please update soon, good luck on the new job
Elenora
· 14 July 2004
· Chapter 26: Then the Perilous Path was Planted
And I thought the last chapter was painful to read...! This one was heart-clenching!! First, Legolas's dream was really disturbing, knowing that he was dreaming about his mother and not being able to get to her. But I was also rather intrigued by the "blinding sword" business. Not quite sure what that means (while I've been picking up on some of your clues, this one is escaping me...I know it means "something," but what??). But I will admit, I've been waiting for Aragorn to get his foot caught in a trap, ever since they first discovered those wretched things out in the woods. And especially with Legolas not going out with him....well, perfect setup!! Regardless, even though I was expecting it, it STILL made me wince when it happened!
Well, this was as nerve-racking a cliffie as you've given us this whole story and I'm begging you not to make us wait TOO long for the next chapter...I'm teetering on the edge of my chair and if I have to stay here too long, I'll have to tie myself to it to keep from falling off, LOL!!
Thanks for such a fantastic, well-written, "keep-you-on-the-edge-of-your-seat" story...it has been a pleasure to read and I've enjoyed each and every chapter...and anxiously looking forward to the next!
Elenora
Ithilien
· 14 July 2004
· Chapter 26: Then the Perilous Path was Planted
Yippee! You updated! I was beginning to wonder when this chapter might show. Yeah! So inspiring too, at least for someone suffering a lapse from their LOTR muses. Feeling itchy to write...
Oh, this last scene does not look good. I really wish now that Legolas had been going out with Aragorn when he set the traps. Talk about being trapped. It seems like two traps have been set. One for Aragorn and one for Legolas. Well, let's just see how they deal with them. Together they are a pretty invincible pair. Separately, well...
I knew those others (the bad guys) would be back when they realized someone was still living in the house. The old man was killed for a reason, and I worried that Aragorn and Legolas were getting too comfy setting up housekeeping there. They (the bad guys) probably think it was the old man they caught, not Aragorn. This time though, I'll bet they come back to check on their trap. They'll want to know they accomplished their goal. Aragorn and Legolas are in a lot of danger now, not just the immediate stuff either.
That dream was really scary. Yes, I do think it is something Legolas should share, if for no other reason than to help Legolas let go of his guilt over his mother's death. But what does it mean. Obviously, there is something there about the knife, but what is it?
Interesting clues you have laid out for us, Nightwing. I'm looking forward to more. And though I hope this new job brings you wonderful success, I also hope you won't forget those of us hanging on, waiting for the next update of this story. It's too good to let lapse.
Alina
· 14 July 2004
· Chapter 26: Then the Perilous Path was Planted
Another incredible chapter! The balance between warm humour, pain and danger was just perfect. Poor Legolas! Aragorn thought him safe and relatively happy and then this agonizing dream... Maybe Legolas will prove his worth to himself by saving Aragorn! I´m very much looking forward to your next update.
Yes, I have read texts by Helen Keller. She must have been an incredible personality!
sofia
· 14 July 2004
· Chapter 26: Then the Perilous Path was Planted
oh my god. some one has to help Aragorn.
-sofia
Jay of Lasgalen
· 14 July 2004
· Chapter 26: Then the Perilous Path was Planted
Ai, poor Aragorn! I hope he's not too far from the cottage, that Legolas can find him soon. Where did the trap come from? Who is prowling nearby and setting them?
The thought of Legolas asleep, stretched along the tree branch is both amusing and sad. Amusing because of the mental image it conjures, but sad because of his need for both the trees and simple sleep. He must still feel so helpless in his blindness, and his dreams are terrifying.
Jay
LKK
· 14 July 2004
· Chapter 26: Then the Perilous Path was Planted
Have I mentioned that Titlam is one of my favorite OCs in all of fandom? I love the peeping kitten. :)
On, the tension level ratched up about 4 notches with this chapter! That nightmare was so vividly described. Horrible! But the way you played the terror of the nightmare against Aragorn's amusement over Legolas's sleeping position was nicely written.
And then ... the snap trap. Just like the trap itself, it popped up so unexpectedly. I worry about who set it. It seems to easy to hope that it was just set by an unknowing hunter.
daw the minstrel
· 14 July 2004
· Chapter 26: Then the Perilous Path was Planted
The dream was wrenching, but I was most startled by the leg trap. Now what?
TrinityTheSheDevil
· 14 July 2004
· Chapter 26: Then the Perilous Path was Planted
*chokes*
*usually doesn't review that much these days as I am busy moving, but cannot help but to review this*
You ... you ... GAH! CLIFFIE! *chokes again* *keels over* *twitches* *dies* You must update ... soon. Very soon!
*waits five minutes ... still not updated ... blinks*
I've come to the conclusion that you are indeed, trying to kill me. This is some elaborate plot to rid the earth of my presence. *eyes you* Elrond isn't behind this is he? I know that elf lord is plotting my demise as we speak; after all, who wouldn't plot the death of someone who loves to see their adopted son in so much pain/angst? (Aragorn will be in lots of pain, right?? Right????)
*ahem* Okay ... you must be writing the chapter now ... which is why you haven't updated yet. *checks clock, ten minutes past the time when I started this* Yes, that must be it.
*rushes off, sits on mailbox waiting for the alert*
-Trin
--Ripping hair out, one hair at a time, then plans on chewing fingernails down to nubs .......
Shaan Lien
· 14 July 2004
· Chapter 26: Then the Perilous Path was Planted
Well, darn.
Timmy2222
· 6 July 2004
· Chapter 9: Of Squeaky Cats and Swimming Holes
Oh, nice, it is getting a little lighter in here, and you really got me laughing out loud with that sentence: "The ranger's hackles rose." Could not imagine Tolkien ever writing such a sentence, but it works wonderfully with the rest of the chapter.
Well, as we know from the third part of the movie, there were many women stating that before the crowning ceremony someone (deep, deep sigh) washed the King's hair! Yeah, count me on the side with those liking Aragorn better scruffy looking, maybe after having a mud bath...
Timmy :)
Timmy2222
· 6 July 2004
· Chapter 7: Starlight and Solace
Poor Legolas, how far will his torment go? And I am still in wonder how both travellers stumbled into this hut in the middle of nowhere, which is quite conveniently equipped! And with full service of regular meals... And additionally, why there is no Elf searching for them if you have them logging there for fourteen days by now. Looking forward to the solve of this riddle.
Timmy :)
Timmy2222
· 6 July 2004
· Chapter 5: For Some Must Watch
A nice chapter, but though it is well written it kept me asking why this flashback needed to be so long. It does not serve much to the ongoing story. IMO it would have been enough to make clear that the queen wanted Aragorn to be Legolas' friend.
The last paragraph but left me in wonder, who helps Legolas and Aragorn while not showing himself. I'm looking forward to the next chapter...
Timmy :)
Timmy2222
· 4 July 2004
· Chapter 3: A Heavy Weight of Hours
I agree with you that Tolkien used references to the Middle Ages, and he created his world on that base (partly), and I always appreciate authors, who take the time to check out if things are possible.
I begin to wonder how much more your beloved main character can take...
Timmy
Timmy2222
· 2 July 2004
· Chapter 2: When the Night Shadows Fall
Now the tension's rising! Left me on the edge of my seat and ponder what might have hurt the poor Elf so badly...
I must say that the flashback was quite long, but you caught the storyline again neatly.
Timmy :)
Elenora
· 1 July 2004
· Chapter 25: Moonflower
Oh Nightwing, this was a very difficult chapter to read, simply because I was close to tears by the end of it! Powerful - and very, very angsty - it was truly difficult to read of Legolas suffering so acutely. As one who's never had the greatest eyesight (I'm VERY nearsighted), losing my eyesight has always been a fear of mine and so this chapter was especially powerful...especially poignant for me. And that bit at the end where Aragorn allows him to probe his face...that image brought me to shivers!! Wonderful!
But am I also seeing "subtle, little clues" to future resolutions here?? Legolas's increasing pain, Aragorn's suspicions of a remaining sliver still imbedded in Legolas's neck, Aragorn showing Legolas all the herbs and medicines in the cottage's supplies....I tend to put too much into things, but all these little instances mentioned make me wonder if and where they might be headed. You've got me dangling quite nicely and bouncing quite merrily at the end of your hook...such power you authors have!! LOL!
Anyway, this was a marvelous, if emotionally draining, chapter and I eagerly look forward to the next.
Elenora
OakWolf
· 1 July 2004
· Chapter 25: Moonflower
This chapter is in a league of its own,the intimacy of these two is just,wow.