The Hunting Trip by Ithilien
IceAngel · 8 September 2003 · Chapter 41: Stone and Cord
Lovely new chapter! I think you said somewhere there that it was easier to write than ussual, and I think that really showed. As much as I enjoy your heavy imagry and introspection, it seemed like a better ballance between events and thoughts now that it is rushing to the ending! noo! As much as I want to find out what happends, I also don't want it to end. I'll be looking forward to the next chapter ssoooo much! thankyou! IceAngel
daw the minstrel · 8 September 2003 · Chapter 41: Stone and Cord
I liked Arwen's determination and Aragorn's rising to the occasion and letting her go. And, like Faramir, I am comforted by the idea that Aragorn has a plan. I am still very worried about Legolas though.
Lamiel · 8 September 2003 · Chapter 41: Stone and Cord
Starting out nicely with a great note about the Elven rope--I hadn't thought about how Aragorn and Arwen were caught without being sliced in two, but this is a nice explanation. And I love the bit about Aragorn's filthy hands! I was watching TTT last night and at the part where he's washed down the river and Brego finds him I said to my roommate, "how can he be soaked in water for hours and still somehow not be clean?" Glad to know it mystifies others as much as it does me. The Numenorean scruff gene at work again! Arwen found the charm! Oh, I hope it does some good later on. I know she's in a hurry because of the urgency of their situation, but I can't help thinking there's a little bit of mortality rubbing off on her. Time matters to her more now. Nice note of the difference between the Noldor and the Silvan Elves here. Arwen might be a decendent of Earendil himself, but she can't climb trees the way Legolas can. I've always thought those Noldor were too snooty for their own good anyway. ;) I couldn't give moment by moment reactions during the last part--it was too engrossing. Poor Legolas. As if a crippling injury and the sea longing weren't enough, now he's got grief too. I still wish he'd be able to fight for himself before it's over, but that might be too much to ask. Still, though, if Arwen brings back that charm, he might escape the pain enough to think coherently, and no way can Bregus overpower his spirit when he's clear headed. Man, and I thought Bregus was scary. Bala/Curtik is seriously twisted. Bregus is deluding herself--even if she defeated Aragorn and Co., she won't live past this night. Another great chapter, and I'm looking forward to some serious witch-kicking (and a little ghost-kicking too for good measure). Now that I know that there are other good plot bunnies nibbling in the wings, I'm especially impatient for this story to reach the great, mind-blowing conclusion I know is coming. No, I won't beg. I know you're wiped out and need recovery time. I'll wait patiently. (hums to self for thirty seconds). Waiting patiently, yup. (checks watch.) Patience, that's me all over. (hums some more.) Lamiel
Le Rouret · 8 September 2003 · Chapter 40: Raging Forces
Phew! I just realized I was holding my breath! Okay, so you've rescued Aragorn and Arwen -- Finally! I was starting to feel a little claustrophobic myself. And thank you for (somewhat) reconciling Kattica and Gordash; I have a feeling they're going to need each other's support pretty soon. Well, now all you have to do is get Eowyn and Legolas out of Bregus' control, fix Legolas' back, kill Bregus and stop her sinister plot . . . hmm, this story's going to go on for a while, isn't it? On the one hand I want to find out what happens next as quickly as possible, but on the other hand I don't want it to end! Congrats -- you've made a convert out of me.
Nilmandra · 8 September 2003 · Chapter 41: Stone and Cord
After giving you pages of critical comments, I realized I didn't get to comment on the plot twists I so enjoyed! That Bala knew exactly who Faramir was is intriguing. Now one begins to wonder if they have been set up from the start. But I suppose if that were true, then they might have gone after Aragorn and Arwen. But somehow, just the thought that they were not random victims is so much more terrifying. Bala is far more evil and strong, I think, than anyone can see except perhpas Mattias. He seems free of her influence. I so want to know what Kattica and Gordash do, and am actually quite thrilled that Bregus and Bala's downfall will come at the hands of their own children. I fear most for Legolas and Arwen right now. Legolas is so gravely injured that I hope the healing hands of the King can aid him. I suppose Kattica's magic might do it as well - but I hope his healing comes from the hands of his friends. I do fear for Arwen trapped with the dogs, but she is a smart she-elf and probably will sing and put them sto sleep or something. She is a crafty she-elf and I think well able to take care of herself and her unborn child. There *is* going to be an unborn child soon...right??
fliewatuet · 8 September 2003 · Chapter 41: Stone and Cord
That was about the worst place to end this chapter! Grrr. But other than that, it was excellent, as always. Though I am biting my nails in worry at what my favourite heroes face: Arwen is surrounded by a pack of growling wolf hounds, and the 'battle' for Henneth-Annûn is about to begin. Aragorn just cannot jump out of his skin, can he? Poor guy, he struggles so hard to overcome his worry for Arwen and let her go, though it is obviously the appropriate choice in that situation. If only he knew what she's about to face right now ... And leave it to Arwen to gripe about the state of his fingernails as her parting words ... a tatoo ... (*shakes head*) ... and I don't think that Gimli's remarks were of any help for Aragorn's predicament. But then, leave it to a Dwarf to find a solution to a problem where caves are involved. I just wanted to hug him when he revealed the mithril and his suggestions for its use. And Bäla is now on the lose. And he did not waste much time to ensure Bregus' compliance. That guy is truely sick! Gotta go now, fliewatuet
JastaElf · 5 September 2003 · Chapter 40: Raging Forces
Ah HAH, I knew there was a new chapter somewhere.... Thank you *wink-wink* for the prezzie you popped into the mail. Yum, I love sandwiches... (grin) OK, so we've rescued Faramir and Kattica, Mattias and Gordash, Gimli, Aragorn, and Arwen.... It's time to go rescue that Elf and the blonde lady!!! (I know, soon, sooooooooon.... [grin]) Absolutely marvelous, I love getting inside Faramir's head and seeing all this from his guilt-laden POV. Denethor may be gone, but the malady lingers on... poor kid. He'll get it eventually.... And the whole discussion between Faramir, Gimli, and Kattica... wooo!! When Faramir basically told Kattica she had been no better than Gordash--Wow! Look, the Prince of Ithilien found his spine! Good lad! (Not to suggest I thought he was spineless before; he's had a rough several days, as have they all. But still...) OK, so, now it's time to rescue Legolas, and Eowyn and the baby, RIGHT??? Great chapter, nin mellon.
Thundera Tiger · 3 September 2003 · Chapter 40: Raging Forces
Hee hee! I love it when things congeal! And I sense we're down to the big congealing. Oh, the excitement! Well, I will certainly thank Nilmandra for this chapter (stunning piece of work) but I think you should probably take some of the credit, too. The flow of ideas and the coming together of thoughts has your mark all over it, and I absolutely loved it. My favorite parts of stories are the "Aha!" moments, and I think we just hit one. Which of course makes me all the happier, in addition to having a chapter from you to read. Gimli's desperate search for information brought a smile to my face, despite how grim things have become. (It's that maniacal sense of humor.) And here we get a wonderful glimpse of the situation through Faramir's eyes. He's tired, injured, worried, confused, and upset. And this blends beautifully with the writing as I find myself becoming upset with Gimli even as I sympathize with him. The emotions are leaping off the screen, and the effect is astounding. The conversation on a Protected Place was a great recap and summary on everything we've learned as well as adding a few tidbits that I may have missed. One of those "Aha!" moments. Faramir's failed attempts at levity, his continuing annoyane with Gimli, and the general mistrust of Gordash builds the tension to near fever pitch toward the middle of this chapter. I think my favorite part was that cruel slam by Faramir when he challenges Kattica's own innocence. Ouch! I actually winced, which is a testament to how involved I had become at that point. Then it seems that everybody takes a step backward. I think the mention of Aragorn might have helped significantly, but I like to think that they were moving that direction on their own, albeit a tad slowly. And may I say that it's a good thing they finally found Gimli! A dwarf is always needed to come out and state the obvious things that everyone has forgotten. What *are* they going to do to Bregus when they break through? And what will she do in return? I'd almost forgotten about these things, too. Yet another sign that a dwarf is badly needed. By the way, I love the role you've given Gimli in these debates. He's almost playing devil's advocate, but it's a rather persistent, pragmatic version of that role. I'm really not sure how to describe it, but it fits the dwarf's personality perfectly. And then Gimli and Faramir seem to arrive at...a plan, for want of a better word. I'm trying to figure out what they've figured out and I have suspicions, but I don't think they're right. Best guess says they're going to try something with fire. Perhaps put Kattica in a position where she could also make use of the Protected Place? Or dousing the fire? Or is Bregus expending energy in keeping it a Protected Place? So many questions and not enough answers! Nor do you provide us with any answers (which I think is rather rude of you) because we're in for more reunions. Enter Arwen and Aragorn! Yea! That gang's all here! The rescue sequence was amazing. Every action was described in detail, yet not in so much detail that the frantic race to save the king and queen ever slowed its pace. Great work! And now I believe it's time for me to beg desperately for another chapter. Pretty please? We're almost to the big climax! I can feel it, and this tense waiting can't be good for my health!
*~SuGaR~* · 1 September 2003 · Chapter 40: Raging Forces
ok, after reading other people's reviews, WHO THE HECK IS MARY SUE?!?!?!?...or what, some sort of stereotypical-perfect-capable of everything girl??? oh, and is the old woman that Faramir saw Kattica's grandmother????? ...dang, the weird kid is back...must brace myself.... *~SuGaR~* p.s MORE LEGOLAS AND GIMLI!!! can't wait 'til they reunite *tear*...already getting the tears ready, now for the tissues...
*~SuGaR~* · 1 September 2003 · Chapter 40: Raging Forces
Make you chuckle, eh? Well, glad like them, even though most of it is just totally irrelevant nonsense. My usual "surfing the net for Tolkien humour" was interrupted by a certain horror fic, ahem *cough, cough*. I have to humour myself somehow and writing reviews like that seems to do it. Nice to know I'm not the only one >. Last chapter I really wanted to know about Faramir and Gimli, but now I want to know about Legolas and Eowyn...argh, I'll never be happy =(...the dream bit on Legolas(oh, this was the part I forgot on my last review!!loved it ^^) was not quite enough to satisfy the rabid elf fancier in me, unfortunately...but was great to hear from Gimli again. Poor Gimli, just wait 'til he sees Legolas...The verbal tongue lashing in this chapter kinda got me down, didn't seem to get much in on their plan making *sigh*, but ARAGORN AND ARWEN ARE OUT!!! Faramir and Gimli got their wish, but of course evil you would never give it to them the way they had hoped...*glare* Don't really understand what happened with Aragorn in the cave, did he get pulled in or just go in or something??(yes, I'm stupid and can't figure it out >.<)And can't Kattica somehow overpower Bregus if she was in Henneth-Annun??? argh, so many questions... Well, should go get ready for school now *tear*. This review probably isn't as funny as the last one(just in case you were wondering, the weird, annoying kid...she's not here!!! YIPPPEEEEE!!!!...but should coming back soon...dang...)PLEASE, MORE UPDATES, MORE RESPONSES(yes, i do love them ^.^), LESS EVIL, AND ABOVE ALL, MORE LEGOLAS AND GIMLI!!!!...not to sound demanding or anything =)and normally I would have just said "MORE LEGOLAS" w/o the "GIMLI", but you've managed to turn me into a Gimli fan, too(not that I don't like ALL the characters or anything)so, MORE LEGOLAS AND GIMLI!!!!...please!!!!=) *~SuGaR~* p.s can you try to send the elvish dictionary, PLEASE!!!! maybe the file is too big, will have to find out...argh, god hates me *sob* p.p.s forgive my ignorance, but I must ask...what does "AU" and "Mary Sue" mean???...not too sharp on my "fanfic speak", that is if I'm "sharp" on anything...
Lamiel · 28 August 2003 · Chapter 40: Raging Forces
Right at the start I have to say I love the river image. Hmm, can we say symbolism here? Beautiful detail, lovely description of the conflicting currents and trailing grass. Gorgeous imagery. Faramir's being angsty as he does best, and Gimli is pushing for action and some healthy reality here. I do love that Dwarf. But he'll need to learn to respect magic, I guess, since it's got him up and walking already. Good. Bregus needs a taste of a Dwarf's axe, and I think she'll get it if she goes near Legolas again. Marius Suenor!! It took me a moment to get that reference. Oh my goodness! Hee hee! Okay, this is a little bit of an author insertion here, but who cares. The temptation is well worth it. And no, Kattica is not a Mary Sue. She's done her job properly and stayed out of the way when she wasn't needed, and didn't fall for anyone. Though how she resisted Gimli I don't know. Nice touch of having Gimli be so agile over stone--even with a cast leg and slippery stones at that. And some marvelous gripping action at the end. I was afraid you'd leave us with a real cliffhanger on this one, but thank goodness they're together and alive. Now to get the A team conscious and clued in and then we can go over and take Bregus down! Yes! By the way, I responded to your reply to my e-mail--I'd be honored to help out any way I can. I seem to be slipping further and further into the slash world, but maybe we could find a way to do it without enraging the Professor's ghost too badly.
Littlefish · 28 August 2003 · Chapter 40: Raging Forces
Wow! I am away for a while, and what do I get when I return? Two excellent chapters! Your sudden switch of sites took me by surprise, but now that I have looked into things closer, I can definitely see why you changed. As you can see, I am now also a member of this site. Yippee. Anyway, on to the story. Both this chapter and the last were very well done, and I can see the strings beginning to come together. It is so exciting. I am glad you wrote a section from Legolas' point of view, and I love the way in which you depicted his return to consciousness. It was very unique and entertaining, while at the same time giving the readers a clear understanding of the gravity of the situation. I am also extremely glad to see that you are healing Mattias. You had me very worried there for a while. I really didn't want him to die, and I thank you for not killing him off. Of course, my thanks may be premature, but oh well! ^_^ I loved the way in which you had Aragorn and Arwen escape from the caves. The thought of the river actually tunneling a way out had occured to me, and I suspected this might be the way in which you would go. Of course, the whole cliffhanger at the end of the chapter was something I wasn't expecting, but knowing you, I should have. I loved every minute of it. This last chapter was also excellent, delving deep into the characters emotions and their physical and mental well-being. The dialog was really well done, setting the scene and filling the chapter with tension. This is a tough time for our group, and you portray that in a myriad of different ways; through dialog, facial expression, tense silences, physical weariness. Awesome job! Oh, and I KNEW Arwen and Aragorn were going to pop up in the river as the others were talking! I brag about this because I usually can't predict what is going to happen in your stories very well. ^_^ Now they are all together!!! Yes, yes, yes!!!! I really can't wait for more. Oh, before I sign off, I just had to make a comment on your "Mary Sue" paragraph. That was plain genius, as well as extremely humorous. Both my room-mate and I had a good laugh! Thanks, and may this story live forever!!!!!
tapetum lucidum · 27 August 2003 · Chapter 40: Raging Forces
I was enjoying your happy reunion at the semi-protected place when Faramir's discussion of Marius Suenor hit me full force and I started cracking up laughing! That was hilarious! My husband is giving me a not-so-amused Elrond eyebrow raise. Kattica has some of her skills, she may be in the same genus but not the correct species. Your plan of action debate was very entertaining. Gimli wants to drop everything and go. Faramir realizes that they need a plan. When he mentions it, Gimli smacks him in the side of the head with a "Wish Aragorn was here." That must have really hurt his feelings. You were right to scold Kattica for her self-righteous attitude over Gordash. She was just where he was only a day or two ago. How quickly time flies. Your Arwen/Aragorn arrival was quite exciting. I could see the unconscious Aragorn floating down the river like in the making of TTT. You described it well. I was glad Arwen was made of tougher stuff and was still conscious. She is an elf after all. Now it is time for a happy reunion. You have to promise one thing. Please don't give everyone a magical cure where they are suddenly well. It aggravates me when authors give characters terrible injuries and then magically cure them so they don't have to deal with the aftermath. It's cheating. I know you promised to return all of the characters in the condition you found them but you didn't say how long it would take... I have enjoyed being dragged over here. I don't know what to do in a site that doesn't collapse every few days or tell me chapter does not exist. Good job! Thanks Nilmandra!
TigerLily713 · 27 August 2003 · Chapter 40: Raging Forces
Another great chapter. I like the tension that is building between Gimli and Faramir, but also the respect and brotherhood. I'm glad to see the group coming together again! Lily
E · 27 August 2003 · Chapter 40: Raging Forces
You're right, this is a great site! And it's about time some more people were reunited! That was really lucky. Or, depending on how you look at it, these characters are very unlucky. I liked the reference to how Faramir and Boromir used to play at the falls. However, I still think Aragorn needs a better role. He and Arwen really do work well together, don't they? When they can actually agree to doing that, lol. Update soon! Very soon!
Nightwing · 27 August 2003 · Chapter 40: Raging Forces
You started out this chapter with Faramir staring at the water, watching the swirls and eddies, and I just knew a pair of dark heads were going to come bobbing along. A couple of half-drowned little rats they are, too, poor things. But Aragorn and Arwen are nothing if not resiliant, so I'm sure we'll be moving quickly into the big rescue very soon. (Did you see what happened to Viggo during the "drowning Aragorn" scene in TTT?) So, who is that kind-faced old woman Framir saw as he was being treated by Kattica for his injuries? DO NOT tell me it was Bregus in her earler days, when she was once nice and caring. I hate her and am determined to cling to this mindset. I want justice for what she has done to Legolas, who chose to punch her rather than kill her when he had the chance. I also want justice for the poor slaughtered Elves in your first chapter. I have not forgotten about them. Vaporize the old bat. You have promised to return our dear characters to full health... I remember this, so it seems to me you cannot possibly be finishing within the next few chapters. It'll take a least ten more just to get Legolas back on his feet after everything that has been done to him. Serious hopitalization needed here. I am really looking forward to his reunion with Gimli. I'll have the kleenex ready. Now I must start with the attempt to figure out how to get my story over here. Hell, I don't even know what kind of browser I have. Lord have mercy... I think Nilmandra may not want me until I take my computer class next month. I'm going to plague the life out of her. "OK, now I push what button?"
luinthien · 27 August 2003 · Chapter 40: Raging Forces
Yeahhhh, you updated!! I am so glad that Arwen and Aragorn are finally out of that cave. Am I close in guessing that the waterfall may play a role in the plan to rescue everyone in the protected place?? Or at least a way for our heros to get in unnoticed? I like the fact that Faramir and Gimli are not going to rely on the force of the soldiers to rescue their friends, that would be so boring and anticlimatic. They are going to have to be creative and that is going to be exciting!!! I am really loving this story but I'm going to be bummed when its over! I guess you will just have to think up another story to keep me coming back!
daw the minstrel · 27 August 2003 · Chapter 40: Raging Forces
Yeah! Progress is being made. Aragorn and Arwen are out and the others seems to be joining forces. They are not too hopeful, but they are working together and A&A will be bound to be helpful if they have not suffered closed head injuries during their little swim.
fliewatuet · 27 August 2003 · Chapter 40: Raging Forces
*wipes sweat off of forehead* They are alive! That was a tough ride Arwen and Aragorn have suffered, but at least the greater part of Our Favourite Heroes (TM) are united again. Faramir's brief reflections on the phenomena of the Marius Suenor was just priceless. Took me a sentence or two to get the hint;-) The chapter left me pondering ways to overcome the protection of the Protected Place. As far as I understand the whole situation, one of the elements has to be cut off. Will they dam the river that leads to Henneth Annün? I mean, they seemed to have ended up just in the right place to do just that. As for you attempt at blackmail: that is so EVIL! Fortunately, my next chapter is already written, just needs a final bit of tweaking, so it should be ready to post within the next few days (that would make for less than two months time between updates for me!). And I intend to post my story here as well, so no need to bother with the Evil Empire at ff.net. That said, you better write that next chapter ...
IceAngel · 27 August 2003 · Chapter 40: Raging Forces
Hehe!! I think I'm the first to find this! You were SOOOO right about this site! It's wonderful! I love the hit counter for the chapters! (shows how many lurkers there are out there!) And my school hasn't blocked this site! well I havn't actually read the chapie yet but I see faramir's name spread all over it - I'll go read now and be back if I have time when I'm done! thanks so much! IceAngel
Mîrwen Tindómërel · 25 August 2003 · Chapter 39: Awakenings
Hey Sheila. Okay, in case you're confused, my real name is Cheryl Ann. Remember me? (The pesky brat that bugged you a lot to dish out the chappies faster and faster?)Right. Since you changed location and all, I decided to get a screen name. Anyway... I just adore this story! *sighs dreamily* Just so you know, the Aragorn and Arwen scenes have made a lot of fans real happy. Oh, and why O why was the rope slack?! What happened to Estel? Please tell me that he's all right! Also, how could you be so evil to us! Here we are all jumping up and down that Arwen is finally out in the open and then you go and drag her under again!!! But my main purpose was to thank you for giving Arwen a much stronger role. Cos in the earlier chapters, Eowyn gets to be treated like an equal when then males are discussing stuff and Arwen is completely silent, as if she knows nothing! I was quite pissed about that... Anyway, P.Jackson also makes Arwen all fragile (except for the horse racing scene) and Eowyn is all brave and strong. So I'm really pleased that Arwen the heroine here. p.s. When's the next chapter coming out? *Hee hee* p.p.s. Sorry for the extremely late review. My dad fiddled with my computer and pulled out the internet connection wire cos he said that I was spending too much time on LOTR stuff and not enough time studying for my O-levels! Humph.
Thundera Tiger · 24 August 2003 · Chapter 39: Awakenings
Hey hey, I see you found this site, too! Very cool. Apologies for the belatedness of this review, but I moved north about an hour and have only recently established Internet access. Ah, the Internet. Never leave home (or move into one) without it. That said, I'm now reviewing here (Stories of Arda) rather than at ff.net because...well, I like this site better. Silly me. Here we go. The first section from Legolas's point of view was inspired. Gorgeous. I can't tell you how much I loved it. The way Legolas kept assigning personalities to everyone (such as Arwen, Aragorn, Gimli, or Thranduil) was beautiful and very indicative of his current mental state. It reminded me very much of a dream, and that seems to be how Legolas views it. Strange, too, that he decides Mattias's bloody body might be his own. I think that on some level, he knows he is hurt, and this seems to be a good explanation. I also loved how you broke this section up by periodically having Legolas's body revolt on him, and the ever-present sea-longing was poignant and sorrowful. I was upset when Legolas realized he was being held captive. I almost wanted him to stay ignorant. After all he's been through... But he does get to back and play with the sea-longing again, so I suppose that's a measure of peace. And it seems that Bregus has experienced it, too. Interesting. Very interesting... And now we're on to Aragorn and Arwen, and an absolutely astounding section. Loved Arwen's musings on Aragorn's short-comings, particularly his hands. I could definitely see him as always having dirt on them. Wonderful bit of characterization. And I started laughing hard at the part where Arwen realizes she can see, gets excited, and Aragorn mistakes it for another reaction entirely. Loved it! The discussion on who was going down into the tunnels was great! It put to test the discussion that they'd had earlier, and I'm glad to see that both Aragorn and Arwen seem to have learned something from it. The description you gave was absolutely magnificent! I could feel the cold water, picture the dark tunnels, and I was holding my breath with Arwen as she tried to fight the knots. But what in the world happened to Aragorn?! If the water is as cold as Arwen says it is, will he be able to swim or is hypothermia kicking in? Or is he not even in the water but somewhere else entirely? Gyah! Anyway, hope you update this soon, because I have a feeling that Arwen and Aragorn (or Arwen, at the very least) are about to surface very near Henneth Annun. Perhaps in the pool itself. I wonder if there's an underground river that feeds it. Or perhaps out the waterfall. In either case, neither one has been brought up to speed on all that's been happening, and it should make for an interesting sequence. And just what have Kattica and Gimli been up to? I don't think that either is one to sit around and wait, especially when Gimli knows that Legolas is in trouble. And Faramir and Gordash are wandering around out there, too! You've got so many loose ends coming together, and I'm VERY excited to see where it all goes. Update soon!
Nikara · 22 August 2003 · Chapter 39: Awakenings
Another excellent chapter! I need to know what will happen next. Please Add more soon.
Le Rouret · 21 August 2003 · Chapter 39: Awakenings
Welcome to your new home! You're right; this is vastly superior to FF.net. I'm extra-tickled you changed before I could sign up with them to post my story. I love how you're resolving Aragorn & Arwen's marital difficulties through this! And you're right -- you couldn't possibly have let Kattia raise her baby by herself (unless you're planning on killing her off, too!). I'm waiting for a friend to read the beta version of my first chapter and then I'll submit it. "Doro Lanthiron" won't make its appearance until my last chapter, but I'll be sure to give you credit for it, no fear. Wish me luck, and HURRY UP WITH THE NEXT CHAPTER!!!!
Jedimasterteo · 19 August 2003 · Chapter 39: Awakenings
Beside the fact that you are slightly evil (and you made me panic a bit there) three cheers for a new chapter! Man, i was SO confused there for a while, granted, it was suposed to happen, but still! Ah yes, Camp was WONDERFUL! I had a whole drawer FULL of socks! It rained too, not a nice sprinkle shower rain, Noooooo...but a torrential downpoor can't see anything, soaked in a second flat, achoo, is that the ball or a person rain. ^_^ It was fun!!! No, really, it was! 'sept for the thunder and lightning that kept us from playing one session.... But it made the nights cooler...then again the rooms smelled...and the ceiling outside of our door sprung a leak...*shakes head* anywho, not here to talk about my camp, but about your WONDERFUL story. Like i said, poor Legolas. Man i had to yell in frustration on that one "Ah! what are they DOING to you!!!" >_< But i was thoughly confused till the end. And, um Will (being a boy) didn't much care for the Arwen/Aragorn stuff, so i thought ahead and skiped that part a bit, saying rather that they were just sleeping. And, naturally, your wonderful wording and mood settings were lost to his 12 year old mind like so much mist, but he got the basic jist (hey i RHYMED!!! sweet!). 'sides, he wants to read more, so that's something. ;) He says more fights though, and he wants Gimli to get well enough so that he can kick the witches butt and save Legolas before anything worse happens to him. At least SOMEONE has to save him (he added this in afterthought)as long as the witch gets it. He just thinks that Gimli would be the coolest one to do it, due to the fact that he likes the dwarf (mostly the combat style, Will has a thing for in your face, in the midst of things fighting)and becuase he's Legolas' best friend. I couldn't agree more. Also, i found that i've been liking Arwen more and more as the story goes on. She has never been my favorite (she was tolerated for Aragorn's sake) and i've never been much of a romantic. I'm a tomboy, more prone to cheering the honor and self sacrificing nature of friendship and battle (with the angst that seems to jell so well with my teenager-ness)than the honor and self sacrificing nature of lovers. Buuttt, the way your doing it i have found that i can deal with it (and have actually been able to *gasp* ENJOY it) and i attribute it to you WONDERFUL characterization talent...and maybe the fact that now i have a boyfriend... Now that i think about it, that also might be Adam's problem (the characterization, not the boyfriend)...he likes more the technical and grand stuff rather than the smaller more character driven themes that i so intensely enjoy. Anywho, i've gone on long enough. I have school thinks to do and a brother to play Starcraft with. AND a book to finish reading....and a game to beat (YEAH for GoldenSun2!!!!!! *happy sigh*)And....*pauses*....Well lookie here...Sorry mom just handed me two overdue book statements from the library... opps... mostly anime... okay so SEVEN anime books...*sigh* Gotta go! *HUG* Keep up your awesome work!!!! And, as usual, sorry for any spelling mistakes. "There are no uninteresting things, there are only uninterested people."