Orophins Dottir
· 15 November 2003
· Chapter 10: Murder Most Foul
I am now officially "de-lurking"! This is one of my favorite stories, despite the fact that it often makes my heart hurt. Again, our beloved prince is being dragged through the wringer, but I admit that the blindness is quite effective. It just grabs hold of you to have the elf robbed of what has always been one of his greatest strengths. "What do your elven eyes see, Legolas?" etc. I thought it was quite perceptive of Orlando Bloom when he said that it was his interpretation of his role that Legolas was the "eyes" of the fellowship and would see danger first. Chilling that in your story he no longer has this gift.
The elvencats who own me also approve of Squeeky and are glad that she will survive. Perhaps Master Elrond could use a good mouser? (Much as I love my own liege lord, I would not trust Thranduil with a cat!)
Humble Scribe to his Majesty Thranduil
Ithilien
· 11 November 2003
· Chapter 9: Of Squeaky Cats and Swimming Holes
Happier moments. We needed this chapter.
But good lords, Nightwing. Squeaky? I wonder what the elvish equivalent is for that word. Something more poetic, I bet. Still, I love it, and the cat probably doesn’t care. That being the case, if the name fits, wear it.
I think Legolas needs to be introduced to the horse. I think it may be good therapy for him. And I’ll bet he could even learn to ride again were he to be given the chance. Horses, as I understand it, can be trained almost like seeing eye dogs, so that might be a very nice fit.
One little worrisome thing for me on Legolas' recovery. What is this about his disdain for food and the taste of it? Wine is okay, it seems, but food? Is this a clue or just a remnant of the toxins still working their way out of his body? I feel like we are not quite done with this illness. You are making me scared, you know. Is that intentional, of just more of the paranoia I've been experiencing throughout this story?
As for the old swimming hole, eeks Aragorn, get thee to a bath! I would imagine the man reeks. Funny how so many of us chuckle over his scruffiness. There are some who like that sort of frayed, unwashed look, and some who like their men elven-ly clean. Count me in the latter group. I love what Legolas does to him. Funny! And not only does he force Aragorn in once, but twice. Bravo, my elven prince!
Ooh, but after all the light playfulness of this chapter, what’s this you have hinted at now? “I smell death.” Those aren’t exactly pretty words to end a joyful moment, are they? So what next, Nightwing? More? Soon? Please?
Ithilien
· 11 November 2003
· Chapter 8: And if Thou Wilt, Remember
I know you heard a little flack over the unexpected turn in this chapter, but for me, I loved it. I had said in the previous chapter that there was a hint of danger dancing on the fringes of this story, and I was so delighted to see it make a sudden lunge forward in this chapter. I think your timing for launching it was perfect too. Far enough into the story to have your readers lulled into a state of comfort, but daring enough to make people lurch a little. I love that in a story. Rolls and dips! Yes!
Now what is going to happen, and what does Legolas really know? He sees into his mother’s death, but what insight has he gained? The orcs that killed her came from the north. But why? Does he know? Ooh, I can’t wait to find out more.
As for reactions, wow! Right on the mark. Seriously. Legolas is frustrated, and I can’t blame him. The poor elf’s situation is grim, and despite the fact that Aragorn can’t find what is wrong, my Legolas is still blind. Was it the toxin that did this? I have to believe it so, and I’m thinking the incredibly slow withdrawal and tedious resumption to a state of health is indicative of the healing process for Legolas’ eyes. That’s my guess at least.
I loved the description you painted in this chapter, especially the small symbols you use (the leaf being set adrift on the water, for example). Your painting of words is exceptional here. Keep feeding me this. That’s the stuff that I love.
Ithilien
· 11 November 2003
· Chapter 7: Starlight and Solace
This story truly has me caught. It is gripping and fresh and I am loving every word of it. Please forgive me for falling behind in reviews. I know it is important for authors to know their story is read, and more so, appreciated, and I have been horrible about fulfilling my responsibilities in that. So let’s work where we can and get us caught up to date.
Underlying everything in your story is this mood that cannot be denied. Poignant and sobering and lined with dread. Almost dread. That’s not quite right. Truthfully I can’t put my finger on it, but it seems like I feel serious trepidation with every chapter. It’s as if there is foreshadowing just in their existence in that house, and the anticipation is just about killing me. I know there is something coming, but what? What?
So it is time to wake up and face the music, er, birdsong. Poor Legolas. And Aragorn. Legolas’ situation is pretty horrible, but you have to give it to Aragorn, he is dealing with a lot himself.
Well, at least the elf has the cat to help. Nice kitty. I love cats. And hey, Legolas is making progress. Almost. Set backs are inevitable I guess. Poor Elf. Gosh, can I say that enough? Apparently not. I think you are going to coax those words from me many times over. Keep going, my friend. I haven’t found a flaw in this magnificent tale yet.
Fadesintothewest
· 8 November 2003
· Chapter 9: Of Squeaky Cats and Swimming Holes
Now that chapter was something else! Legolas in all his glory, my you provided some nice visuals for me and I thank you very much! It was great to see Legolas laughing again, although he is still in much pain, but it was very nice to see him playing with Aragorn in the cold water (I also very much appreciated the Aragorn visuals!)
Squeaky the cat, well is fast becoming my favorite, but please I ask
you don't kill the cat off. Let the litte one have a happy ending.
Lamiel
· 7 November 2003
· Chapter 9: Of Squeaky Cats and Swimming Holes
Oh, Nightwing, this is wonderful! One of your best chapters yet. I can completely sympathise with the difficulties of combining work and authorship, but I'd say that your writing is only getting better and better. Definitely worth the wait.
This was so funny! I can completely believe that Aragorn would go seven weeks without bathing, but it's hard to imagine that Legolas would put up with the smell. There was so much I liked about this chapter--the little detail of Legolas' difficulty with the door, and Aragorn having to tell him where the food was . . . so wonderfully done. But of course it's all drowned out by the fantastic image of naked Legolas swimming.
Woo hoo! So wonderful, a real nude Elf treat, without having all those cliches of slash fics--"oh, we're so hot and dirty, what to do, oh hey look, a moonlit pool!" But that image, when Legolas arched his back and then ran his fingers through his hair . . . oh dear VALAR that was good! Hee hee!
I do love the friendship and love you have between Legolas and Aragorn, without getting into slash. Wonderful! And now there's a sense of foreboding building . . . "the smell of death." Mmmm. Mysteriouser and mysteriouser. Looks like things won't be quite as nice in future chapters. I am so impressed by your pacing with this story--you hold back, not giving too much away at once. Very well done. I have so much trouble with that--just want to jump ahead and get everything out at once. This is brilliant.
Oh, by the way, the bit where Aragorn asked Legolas if he could talk to the cat--that wasn't by any chance inspired by Ithilien's sketch of Aragorn pretending to talk to the squirrel in Hunting Trip, was it? Very clever.
I could go on and on. This is just such a pleasure to read! But I should do my own work now, I suppose, and then maybe I can get a bit more of DP done this weekend. (I was doing so well with the new chapter, but then I moved, and I had to buy a new computer . . . real life has no respect for fandom.)
Lamiel
P.S. It definitely helps to have someone experienced with tranquilizer darts leading this mission. I was discussing rope with Theresa just yesterday, though, and given the notorious difficulty of tying up an Elf successfully (that ability to wriggle out of the tightest bonds in two seconds is definitely a nuisance to the would-be Elf stalker) she suggested that wire might work better. A surprisingly ruthless suggestion, coming from her, but it has merit. Just visualize those slender, strong wrists caught fast, the sensitive skin lightly scored by the shining wire, those burning dark eyes looking up through the fall of golden hair, so proud, so defiant . . . heh, heh, hoo. Deep breaths. I believe that Theresa is swinging by her local supply store on the way. It never hurts to be prepared.
LKK
· 27 October 2003
· Chapter 8: And if Thou Wilt, Remember
Ai. Such guilt, carried unnecessarily by both. Guilt over his mother's death, guilt at keeping Aragorn away from Rivendell, guilt over how his family treated Aragorn after his mother's death. Guilt over Legolas' blindness, guilt over arriving too late to stop the dart, guilt over overprotecting his patient. They needed this conversation. Now if only each will heed the other's absolution of that guilt.
Layered on top of Legolas' guilt is his unswaying conviction that he is of no use without his sight. Useless to his family, useless to his friend, useless as an avenging son. Perhaps since Aragorn does not share that conviction, he will be able to help Legolas realize that even blind, he has much to offer. I certainly hope so, anyway.
Your depiction of all these emotions was very poignant and heart-rending, Nightwing. Every sentence I read moved me.
LKK
Muinthel
· 25 October 2003
· Chapter 8: And if Thou Wilt, Remember
....ahwww...what a great way to start this chapter. Your discription of Legolas mother and her feelings and the way she says good-bye to her son by kissing the small green leaf...wow!! That is so special!
The whole chapter touched me very much! It is great how you let these two close the gap that might open between them, by the way they are there for each other. Friendship is so unique!!! I love the way Legolas opens up slowly to Aragorn...and the gentle but also strong way Aragorn pulls everything out.
Well you know why this *frienshipscene* is getting to me so much...! These two have such a strong bond....and nothing can seperate them...! The differences between them are so great and still the respect of the other kin and also the knowing of the value of the friend is showing in every acting.
Oh and the turn to the blade in the end...well...hurry up writing!! It is interessting how Legolas "sees" the sword before him...I know he is an elf and has special abilities. But he runs in things and fights hard to see with his other senses...but knowing exactly what kind of blade it is by the first touch...!?! I know it is burned into his mind because of the horror, the death of his mother means to him, but maybe there is also more "going on" with this kind of sword.....hint hint!
Fadesintothewest
· 24 October 2003
· Chapter 8: And if Thou Wilt, Remember
Oh my, the opening scene to this chapter was so heartwrenching. For a moment there, I thought Legolas' mother was going to take her own life, and not let the orcs take it for her... but how you described it was just bone chilling.
So this is really good, b/c I don't know how you are going to resolve it. This part about the sword brings an interesting twist into the story, the orcs that killed his mother, so close to him, but yet he can do nothing b.c his sight is lost. Very metaphorical indeed.
I await your next chapter with great anticipation.
Fadesintothewest
· 24 October 2003
· Chapter 7: Starlight and Solace
Ai, I cannot believe, I missed the updates on this story. RL has been crazy of sorts, grad school and work, I get home too late to relish in reading! I couldn't help but laugh at your description of the cat as it sounds like mine, and acts as my cat does, sleeping with me. She is a character all right, and thinks she is the queen of all.
So now we wait to *see* what happens with Legolas. The poor Elf it's like is soul is missing.
Muinthel
· 20 October 2003
· Chapter 7: Starlight and Solace
....hey surely was your story the first to read, when going online again....!
And as ever...it really touched my heart. Some of your discribtions....over here we have a saying....you have to let it run over your tongue! Or better to let it melt on your tongue...but that you just do with really good things and good discriptions of something special. You paint a very good picture of the whole situation before my inner eye...and sometimes I have the feeling I hide behind a tree and watch the two heros.
One can feel the pain and the hurt and the uncertainty Aragorn and Legolas are going through while reading.....!
Can't wait to read more!
Hey....and LotR will never go of my priority-list....!!! How could it, when a certain ranger...looking like he took every mudhole again...is haunting me in my dreams (not that I do not enjoy it....whuahahaha!!!)
Ithilien
· 17 October 2003
· Chapter 1: Forms of Fear
The good news is I am not restricted to one review per chapter on this site. The bad news is I make our correspondense public by coming here. I am not happy.
The problem comes from my end. And yours. Or actually from my ISP. And yours. It seems with all the viruses running around, my server has been blacklisted as a source of bad news by your server, and while my ISP is trying to switch off this particular routing and direct emails through another channel, until they do, I am stuck. Unless I want to open another account elsewhere. *cringe*
The really frustrating part is I get your emails fine.
I'm thinking this through. Gah! I feel like I'm stuck in a box -- something from a story I read this past summer by a certain somebody who will remain nameless. I think you know what I mean as I sit here waiting for my freedom. Where's Gandalf when you need him? Could you send him by if you see him?
Ithilien
· 16 October 2003
· Chapter 1: Forms of Fear
Hey hon! This is a strange way to leave a message, but my other routes of contacting you are failing. Your Internet Service Provider no longer likes me and is blocking my emails. Unless this is intentional (*grin*), my guess is you had a recent installation of a spam filter which doesn't like my IP adress. Drop me a line and let me know when/if this is resolved and we can resume our conversation. Otherwise I'll need another address to email you through.
Great story, btw. A review for chapter seven is coming soon.
Thundera Tiger
· 14 October 2003
· Chapter 7: Starlight and Solace
I stumbled onto this story by accident, but I'm so very glad that I did. Wow. Words are failing me, actually, but...wow. Where do I begin?
Well, let's talk emotions, for starters. You have managed to tap into several levels of emotions throughout this fic. You've paid homage to surface feelings, you've explored deeper feelings that the characters sometimes seek to hide, and you've probed the essence of their souls, going beyond even what they know and showing us as readers how they truly feel based on their actions and their memories. It's amazing. Your characterization is flawless, and you've built it using dramatic angst. Where some would show courage and stoicism by introducing a battle sequence, you've shown it in gentle words and simple actions. It's a very subtle and very elegant way to build a personality, and not many authors - even professional ones - can pull it off. You have, and for that, you have my awe and my congratulations.
Not that you've neglected action and battle. The first two chapters had their share of it, and you handled that magnificently. But rather than making it the focus of the story (which could have been easy) you made it a means to an end. And that is very refreshing. It's taken second tier to a more intense and personal battle waged by Legolas and Aragorn against the possibility that the elf might never see again.
Wonderful attention to detail, too. Small notes throughout the text paint a beautiful picture of the scenery and the setting. It's interesting that you've done so, because obviously Legolas cannot see any of this. And in working from his point of view, you've done an amazing job in emphasizing the sense of touch and hearing. The entire sequence where he is fading in and out of consciousness before finally breaking through to speak to Aragorn was wonderful. You kept it vague enough to be believable, but you inserted enough detail to give us a good idea of what was going on.
Amazing story, and I'll certainly be checking back for updates. Thank you so much for treating us to this wonderful work!
LKK
· 5 October 2003
· Chapter 7: Starlight and Solace
Ai, Nightwing! Another wonderful chapter. So many charming tidbits adding up to a delicious whole. Some of my favorite tidbits:
... the description of Aragorn's feelings as he watched his friend descend nearly into madness. We didn't get his reactions in the last chapter, so it was nice to hear how he felt during that heartwrenching scene.
... Aragorn needing Legolas to awaken and threatening to take the cat if he doesn't.
... Legolas' response to Aragorn's threat. I think it is not a good thing I have been sick these many days. You have turned into a cat-threatening insomniac lunatic in my absence. (My absolute favorite line in this chapter, by the way.)
... Legolas waving good-bye with the cat's paw. (My absolute favorite moment.)
... Legolas announcing he was still blind. (The most heart-wrenching moment.)
... Aragorn hand's providing the only thing they were still able to give. Solace. (The most heartfelt moment.)
There are many more; I just thought I'd name a few.
One of the things I like overall about this chapter and the others before it is the pacing of the story. Too often stories feel rushed. You're taking the time to allow the characters to reflect and to discover at a pace consistent with how things would happen in the Real World.
I also like that time in Middle Earth progresses in your story. Events don't happen in some void outside of Middle Earth time. Autumn turns into Winter, and Aragorn must prepare for its coming because they will not be able to cross the snow-covered mountains.
Well, I could go on and on about this chapter because it really touched me. But I think I'll let you go. If I keep bending your ear, you'll never get a chance to write the next chapter. And I certainly wouldn't want that to happen!
LKK
PS: I hope you're feeling better.
Jay of Lasgalen
· 4 October 2003
· Chapter 7: Starlight and Solace
A great chapter. But I so hoped when Aragorn found Legolas outside at dawn that they could *both* see it! Poor Legolas - it must have been devastating when he took off the blindfold and he still could not see. How long are you going to torture him?
I like the cat. They are very comforting when you don't feel well, and at the weekends (the only time I don't have to get up so early) my cat always comes and sits on my chest, purring madly.
When are we going to find out what happened to the mysterious healer?
Jay
Avon
· 4 October 2003
· Chapter 7: Starlight and Solace
Poor Legolas! I like the cat and I like all the little descriptive details. I love the Orlando's wardroe explanation of the blindness. Cute as he is the boy shouldn't be allowed to dress himself - or do his own hair.
Um, you've had a formatting problem or something btw - the whole thing appears twice, one after the other.
One minor suggestion - please ignore if you don't want beta-level feedback - I think you need to use their names more often and not use name substitutes (the ranger, the fair Prince etc) as much. IMO it detracts from the story.
Cheers,
Avon
meckinock
· 26 September 2003
· Chapter 6: In The Gathering Dark
Love your story, and thank God there's somebody else here who wore bell-bottoms the first time around.
Heiwen
· 24 September 2003
· Chapter 6: In The Gathering Dark
....I just love it as ever....!!! What a good mix of humor and fear....!
I think one can tell you were sick...I just know the feeling from Legolas longing to clean is teeth after being not able to move for a long time...lol...I almost had the taste in my mouth while reading!!!
I love the way you discribe how Legolas is tracking Aragorn in the small cottage...is is very sensible, with a pinch of humor!
....sniff....runs for kleenex...that is so special how Legolas fights to say thanks....sniff!
Oh and how can you put my ranger through so much stress....softly whispering with much fear while telling Legolas that he is blind...!!!
I think I have to join the redhaired whitch to rescue the elf and the ranger...do you think Tom Bomabil would also watch my kids while we are on our mission??
daw the minstrel
· 23 September 2003
· Chapter 6: In The Gathering Dark
This was subtly done. We realize Legolas's state only when he does. Very nice. His panic seems so real, poor guy. Aragorn's plan is probably the best he could come up with and it's a sign of their desperation that they cling to it so.
LKK
· 23 September 2003
· Chapter 6: In The Gathering Dark
Wow. You did it again, Nightwing. Another lovely chapter -- in a painful, tear at your soul, sort of way. I like the way you intermingle humor and pathos.
Poor Legolas, struggling to reach consciousness, deciding that the first thing he's going to do when he can get up is clean his teeth. (Having spent much time in a sickbed myself, I can identify with the sentiment!) Legolas lying there imagining what Aragorn is doing from the sounds in the room was a nice touch too.
Then the hints of pathos creep in as Legolas assumes he is always waking up at night because his sleep cycle has been disturbed. The spark of fear lights, fanned into an inferno by later confirmation. The elf is blind. Legolas' unreasoning but understandable panic, Aragorn's attempt to use his healer's training to calm himself and his patient --- you handled their reactions well, I think. Some might chide you for Legolas' reaction. I won't. Given that's he's been deathly ill for 2 weeks, feeling that he's finally out of danger, then suddenly discovering he's blind, I think Legolas' panicked reaction is fully justified.
And as for Legolas and the cat ..... I have one word: purrrrfect.
(Sorry, I couldn't resist. LOL)
By the way, you wrote some of the funniest reviewer responses I've ever read. The red-haired witch will work just fine, thank you. Is she going to try and eat the elf and ranger like in Hansel and Gretel?
LKK
Avon
· 23 September 2003
· Chapter 6: In The Gathering Dark
Sorry, I don't have anything terribly useful to say - just that I'm reading it and enjoying it. I figure even mundane feedback is better than no feedback. It's rare - IMO - to find an angsty h/c story which isn't over the top but you seem to be managing it rather well. BTW I also totally agree with you about Legolas's age and the reasons why.
Avon
Ithilien
· 18 September 2003
· Chapter 5: For Some Must Watch
Well, I think I know what murky waters Lisette may have saved you from, but I see know evidence of murk anywhere near here. So I'll just keep paddling along. No need to run for the hills.
I see we are settling in for the angst factor in this story, and I am ready to get all comfy here. Another hot button for me you know -- angst. I eat it for breakfast. Well, maybe not, but I could. (Cold, with a little brown sugar sprinkled on top...yummy! But I digress...)
What is with this cabin and provisions and horse and food? Wow, you really have my head spinning over who could be doing this for them. Certainly, this event was an accident. Wasn't it? I mean, everything feels comfortable and good (at least THIS part of the story does), but that no one has come back to claim anything just seems *odd*. I'm getting vibes, and I don't want to, but all of this feels eerie, sort of. But not. Friendly, kind of. Like Hansel and Gretel before the witch popped out and tried to shove them into an oven. I mean...uh, I shouldn't be worried, should I?
Poor Legolas! I'm so glad to see he is showing signs of improvement, but boy, these are babysteps. The elf is a long ways off from anything nearing a recovery. Yet, they've fallen into a routine, and that is a good sign as it means Legolas has stabilized. .
What is Legolas wanting to tell Aragorn that he can't do in a conscious state? The curiosity is killing me.
Gosh, I love the backstory here, especially the little details about the Mirkwood elves. I love how you describe them in comparison to the other realms. Very fitting. And I loved the little fight between Legolas and his brother. All over where to hang the banners? Um, these elves are a bit hot-headed, aren't they? I love it.
Legolas' mother is a very special elf, isn't she? She seems not to hold prejudice, and is calm, even and eloquent. How lovely. She also seems to possess a modicum of foresight. Too bad she can't use it to prevent what is about to happen.
Oh, this is so very sad. And knowing how these elves might act over hanging a banner, I can only imagine how they might react to losing a queen. Gosh, the only thing that surprises me is that Legolas is capable, after four years, of doing anything but crying into his pillow. But that would be a bit extreme, even for these elves probably.
More soon, Nightwing. Such a lovely job you are doing. More. Please.
LKK
· 12 September 2003
· Chapter 5: For Some Must Watch
I should have posted reviews on the previous chapters. I apologize. This story has been very emotional, quite gripping. The little cottage in the woods sounds too good to be true. I worry about what's going to happen when the "owner" returns. It's almost as if the two have stumbled across a fairy tale cottage. I keep expecting the wicked witch to come home any minute.
From a writing standpoint, I like how you're integrating the flashbacks with the current timeline. The transitions are very smooth and flow well. And your characterizations are wonderful.
Looking forward to more!
Mirari
· 11 September 2003
· Chapter 5: For Some Must Watch
An intriguing piece of work. This comfortable little house seems a tad eerie to me, and I can't help but wonder if Aragorn and Legolas are as safe there as the Ranger seems to presume they are. Hmm...
You've definitely taken and held my interest! The characterization is bang-on for Legolas, and though Aragorn seems less experienced and more unsure than usual I am attributing that to his young age.
Wonderful job, and you can be sure I'll be back for more. ^^