"For this was love's death, the breaking of an Elven heart..." Oh my, such power and epic tragedy in these few words. The resolving of the terrible event that took place between Aragorn and Legolas in the tent was my favorite part of this chapter. The true depth of their love for each other is finally revealed and understood. I find it beautiful.

Uh oh, here it comes. The final event that must be confronted and endured. It did go differently than I had anticipated, but I was by no means disappointed. This was a very powerful scene. I was particularly moved by the start of it, when Aragorn is being engulfed by the sheer strength of the thing, and how foolish he had been in believing that he could overcome it, let alone endure it. "It would destroy him as an afterthought". This line alone truly describes the power of the horror-death, and also the power of Legolas to have survived so long.

But Aragorn does see it for what it truly is, and calls it out beyond the overwhelming roar of the sea. This shows his skill and strength as well, to not lose his composure utterly and be swept away.

Dragaer! Living on in this way, even after his death. Wow, he is the ultimate baddie. And Aragorn, in his love for Legolas, sacrifices himself. I think, in doing this, Aragorn has done what he must to repay what he owes for his betrayal of Legolas' trust. And in turning Dragaer's attention to him and away from Legolas, it allowed the elf to finally free himself and to act.

I believe that Legolas is not dead. He only killed the part of himself that had to die, in order to destroy the delgurth and reclaim his life. Dragaer said so himself: "The part of him that clung to this life even during the breaking - so long as he lives, so too will the delgurth". That part is gone, and the elf will be whole again.

This chapter really served to showcase the strength within both Aragorn and Legolas, the depths of their love for each other, and how they fought together to defeat the thing that was destroying them both. Beautifully done, Lamiel.

I confess that I have never read Emily Dickinson before. The poem you start this chapter off with is amazing... "parting is all we know of heaven, and all we need of hell". Good God, I'm stunned at the beauty and depth of these words. Emily, here I come.

But first, Lamiel. Another healing scene, and Aragorn finally penetrates (oh, dear, bad choice of word) Legolas. The conversation they have interested me. Is it better to forget, to have time eventually blunt the sharp edges of memories? The risk could be forgetting too much. Or is it preferable to have one's memories forever razor-edged, and possibly dangerous?

Though for mortals, some memories never lose their ability to cut, even after decades have passed. And for some unhappy reason it usually seems to be the bad ones, or the embarrassing ones, that stick around. At least in my case.

So Aragorn is drawing the memories away from Legolas and into himself. Some healing ability! But yes, they were getting to the meat of it, and I don't blame Legolas for stopping Aragorn from going further. This is not just the taking away of memory, it will also mean Aragorn living the experience just as Legolas did, and enduring the breaking as if it was his own. It could well be too much.

This is going to sound dorky as hell, but I'm suddenly remembering an episode from the old Star Trek series. It was called "The Empath", and was about a woman who could take another's pain into herself. But it put her at grave risk to do so.

Oh dear, Aragorn had to command Legolas to return. The final push is here. I'm scurrying off to read it right now.

The crushing darkness within Legolas is amazingly portrayed. It is an entity of sorts, with a ravenous appetite. It almost makes me wonder if there is another reason that the elf has not died, besides his inner strength. Could the darkness be holding back somehow? It continues to devour, and Legolas is slowly losing ground, but it is almost as if this darkness is like a parasite that understands that if it kills the host, it will also die. The host must continue to live, or the parasite must find a new host. Hm, hm, hm - I'm scratching my head here, trying to figure the thing out.

The snow scene was wonderful. So good, so heartening to see Aragorn and Legolas embrace each other as brothers again, united against a common enemy. They are at their best like this, and I hope that Arwen was watching out the window and saw.

It is absolutely wrenching to witness Legolas' breakdown. Beautifully described. And it is because of what is yet to come? Oh, yipes.

Cripes, have I fallen behind. Not on reading, believe me, but on reviewing. Forgive me. However, the newest chapter - the one wherein you state we have reached the culmination and that it was the greatest challenge thus far - I have not read yet. I'm on fire to get to it; it is printed off and burning a hole in my desk, but no, it will not be read. Not until I give you proper reviews for all the work you have done in reaching this point.

So the baby comes. It does take strength, and it hurts, all very well conveyed by your writing. But I have to confess that I envy Arwen. In addition to almost three hours of pushing, I also puked through the whole thing when I gave birth to my daughter. Arwen got off easy!

And Legolas returns the very moment of the child's arrival? Interesting timing. Gimli's story of his wanderings with Legolas is sad. It was not the like the previous adventures of the two old friends, but silent and uncomfortable and seemingly without real purpose. Legolas is at ease no where, and with no one. A miserable existence. But he has returned to Aragorn, and this indicates that there is still some strength within the elf. It is finally time to walk through the fire, and he knows it.

Do you have any idea how good you are? I'll show you. It is in this sentence, when Legolas says to Aragorn, "I always believed that what one chose to do outweighed the evil impulses over which one had no control - and resisting them, to my mind, showed greater strength that not feeling them at all." The second section is a marvel of insight and wisdom. I read it over again a couple of times to let it penetrate. It knocked my socks off. Damn fine stuff, Lamiel. That sentence alone is worth sitting and meditating on for a lifetime.

Finally, the chapter we have all been waiting for. And it was well worth the wait. And still more to come. We have yet to find out the results of this healing. It was quite an eye opener for Aragorn-to feel everything that Legolas went through. And to get an explanation of sorts on Elven love. I wonder if he really understands it yet. What a beautiful sight that was to see Legolas return as he used to be-strong and powerful. And when he told Aragorn that he could no longer command him, while calling him Estel, much was restored there. Please don't wrap this up too quickly, it has become such a part of our lives-looking every day to see if there is an update-it will be awful when that is gone. This story seemed to pour from you like it burned to be told. Maybe sometime a burning will ignite again.

No no no no nonono.

Currse you. Why cliffhanger? Why? WHY?

If you want to know, the challenge you faced in this chapter was easily overcome. At least, I think so.

You deal with the unique - a nigh impossible thing to achieve here - situation so well. Everything feels so real, from the description of physical scene to mental trauma and everything in between. Please, keep writing!

Intense, intense. I need a drink...

This was a rather painful chapter to read. Nonetheless I read it, captivated by your lovely writing.

Cal

Oh my gowd! This chapter is heartbreaking! I love the climax scene, how did you describe Legolas pain. Great, just great.

And the end... I can't wait for more!

"Gradually sensation filtered back to him: the feel of the floor hard beneath him, a stinging pain at his wrists. He was terribly thirsty." Hm... Does this mean Aragorn is coming away with some physical reminders? Legolas suffered a lot of shame having his wounds displayed to the world. If that's the direction you're hinting, Aragorn deserves some of that. Cut up wrists. A strained voice. Bruised lips. A limp perhaps. Anyway, great chapter and great story!

Wow...I love how this chapter came together. I always enjoy mind games in stories, and this is certainly a big one. I either have a greater understanding of the ways of elven minds, or I'm more lost than ever. Regardless, a brilliant read. Um...I'm guessing Legolas is still alive, but what an amazing hook to end the chapter with.

Thank you. What an amazing gift this story is. I can't wait to see what else you come up with.

PS. I'm sitting in an internet cafe in Venice, and I paid an extra 2 euros to finish reading your story and send this review. I completely forgot where I was while reading it.

Holy Smoke! Where do I begin.

The line: Legolas: "The love I bear for you would not change were it given to a brother in friendship, or to a physical lover. For an Elf, truly there is little difference."

The line: Legolas: "Suffice it to say that that path was closed to us ere it ever might have opened. Had you desired it, I might not have objected, out of the love I bore you, but you were a boy, and by the time you became a man your heart was given to her."

The line: Aragorn: "What I share with Arwen-I can love you both equally, but not in the same manner. The bond is different. I can feel it."

The line: Legolas: "Of that you can speak better than I, but in any case it does not matter. You did not ask, and I was content. Whatever darker impulses are buried in our hearts, it was not in my nature, nor in yours."

To me, this was the crux of their intire relationship. Such deep feelings they have for one another. Feelings that were overwhelming to a mortal. Feelings that Dragaer took advantage of and twisted in Aragorn's mind.

I know Legolas lives, because this is not AU. But I hope he is restored to his former self in time.

I know I sound like a broken record, but YOU ARE AMAZING. I find myself reading each and every chapter with my heart in my throat. SO!

As Always

Peace

Beverly

What a truly frightening chapter. Beautifully written without being too graphic.

And Legolas at the end is magnificient. I think we are beginning to see the return of our elf. With that one word, "Daro!" we see that he is ready to face his demons. He stood up to both Dragaer and Aragorn.

And yes, I'm glad Aragorn had to experience what Legolas did. Especially as he is the reason for it. If ever there was a pennance, then Aragorn has suffered it and he did it for love. So I applaud him for that. Maybe now they can both get on with living, although I do believe that Aragorn still has a lot to answer for and will for a long, long time before he should be allowed to reign again.

I'm hoping that Legolas killed his memory, if only in the sense that he can begin to put it behind him and begin living again like the elf he is. I do hope he will recover the love of the sea he had. And I hope that Thranduil will make another appearance soon to help his son.

This has to go down as one of your best chapters for the characterizations of Legolas, Aragorn and yes, even Dragaer. I don't think I'm the only one who saw the whole thing in my mind as I read. Bravo!

Wow, that was really intense. I liked it though, even though it did make me a bit squirmy. I can't wait to see the aftermath, will this be a happy ending? Thanks again for a great read, and I'm looking forward to more.

Breathtaking! I read it yesterday right after it was posted, but I was too shaken to write a sensible review immediately! (and by 'right after it was posted' I mean when I got your review replied I realized that the next chapter is coming soon, so I stood in front of my computer and refreshed my email every second... needless to say I'm obsessed with that story as I've been with no other).

I loved it of course - loved the hug and the shared healing power, Aragorn's choice, the way Aragorn talked to Dragaer, Legolas's appearance at the end, everything. And I think it would be too cruel to kill Legolas after everything he went through even if he had died killed. Therefore, I believe that Legolas is alive and my interpretation is that he only killed the part of himself that was trapped in the memory and could go on. Otherwise, he could have plunged that knife into his own heart instead of killing his unconscious self.

I have several reasons to believe that Legolas is alive: First, I am sure that Legolas knew very well what he was doing. If he was going to die after plunging the knife in his unconscious image, he would have known it. He would have also known that such a death would devastate Aragorn, so he would have said some words of goodbye, or that he is sorry. However, he says nothing of the kind. Therefore, he knows that he is not going to kill himself and will have plenty of opportunities to talk to Aragorn later. Second, a purely technical reason - if Legolas was indeed dead, you probably wouldn't have ended the chapter with simply saying that his eyes are closed. You would have perhaps used something more dramatic, such as "he was not breathing" or "his heart was not beating" or even have Aragorn check him over and discover that he is dead. However, you only say that his eyes are closed, which is easily repairable and can be simple unconsciousness. I'm sure he is going to open those eyes in next chapter, whether he will do it by himself or Aragorn will call him back using athelas and a much less intense version of the healing trance, much like he had done to other patients many other times. And third, and most important of all, and this is the main reason that makes me believe that Legolas is alive and nothing can convince me otherwise - Legolas promised Aragorn that he will remain in Middle-earth while he lives, and you said it yourself that the elf has a very stubborn heart. He is not going to give up and leave. If he wanted to die, he could have done it long ago. Yes, maybe this death is better because the delgurth dies as well, but still I don't think Legolas would have wanted to die at that point. He would have chosen to relive the rape over and over again instead of dying because he has made a promise and nothing can stop him from keeping it. Oh, wait! I just came up with reason number four: If Legolas is dead, Gimli would never understand what had happened and will kill Aragorn, which will result in chaos in Gondor and Middle-earth will fall into darkness! Ha! You see - Legolas is alive and there is NO other option! Oh, and reason number five - if Legolas is indeed dead, I'm going to flood your inbox with thousands of very angry messages!

I loved Legolas at the end - he had returned back to normal, back to his old self. But my favorite parts in this chapter will remain Aragorn's words to Dragaer - first when he tells him that he couldn't resist the urge to kill him again, and then when he says 'we may as well get ready'. He speaks so calmly and confidently even though he is in no control of the situation at all, and his attitude at that points is in such a sharp contrast with all the gloom that I couldn't help but smile in spite of the seriousness of the situation.

Please update soon and give us an ALIVE Legolas.

Starlight

OMG! I'm almost hyperventilating with shock and worry and anticipation of your next chapter. First of all, you have painted Legolas as the truly brave, courageous, self-less, and giving character that he truly is. Though Tolkien writes little about him, you have literally 'made' him one of the most regal and beautiful characters in fanfiction. I have absolutely no idea what to expect at this point. I thought I knew where you were going but now I see that I was wrong. I am both somewhat disappointed and glad at the same time that this is not yet the end of your story. Part of me wanted a quick solution but that would be of disservice to everything that Legolas and Arragorn have suffered. I will patiently await the next update (hope it's soon!) and can only hope that the love that Aragorn and Legolas share will allow both of them to come out of this closer than ever and in one piece :) I hope you never doubted the powerful emotions entwined within this chapter. They are breathtaking and heart stopping in their intensity.