Wow, so much wonderful feedback. Thank-you everyone, and again there are personal notes for you all at the bottom.
To all who are wondering this story is going to be around nine chapters long (including the prologue and epilogue).
I will be without internet for a while as I go back to school and move into my new place, so please have patience with updates and forgive me if I get behind with reviewing.
To my devoted 'Fading Hope' readers: Um… I'm so sorry! I am just going flat with it. The next chapter is proving to be a killer. I have done all my research for it and tried to write it… I have about a page done. If you would like to email me to help me brainstorm or to look over what I have done so far - then please feel free to do so, because I would appreciate your help.
So, with that in mind, eLLe and I present…
Chapter #2 ~ The Awakening of the Forest
Legolas sat upright, his chin touching his chest as he allowed Addrodoc to examine the back of his head. His body still felt tender after his night's rest, but he was most decidedly feeling better then he had. He could feel his healing abilities slowly piecing him together once more and welcomed it.
"Incredible! Simply amazing," Addrodoc exclaimed, as his hands slipped through Legolas' hair to examine the newly closed skin on his scalp. "I knew it," he whispered under his breath, his fingers lingering upon Legolas' head for a moment longer before he withdrew.
Legolas flexed slightly, swinging his feet over the side of the bed-like thing he lay upon. He slowly let his eyes wander over his surroundings then, seeing it all for the first time.
The place was beautiful, wide and spacious with polished marble floors that sparkled vibrantly under both the combined efforts of candlelight and the morning sunlight, which filtered in from a panel far above them in the ceiling. Along the walls hung a variety of banners and tapestries, embroidered with gold and silver thread, depicting things of which Legolas knew nothing, though he recognized the skill of the craftsmanship that must have been employed in making them. Several statues rose from various places in the room, each draped with fresh flowers, a small collection of obvious offerings surrounding their bases. Upon further inspection, the statues seemed to greatly resemble elves, tall and willowy, with long hair and serene expressions upon their stone faces. The place was peaceful in its silent beauty, and Legolas found himself appreciating its significant artistry, though such a shrine of worship was unknown to the elves.
"Does it please you?" Addrodoc asked in a hushed voice, as he solemnly watched Legolas examine the room.
The elf returned his attention to the man, somewhat puzzled by the question. "It is a room of beauty. Your people have obviously invested much of themselves into its creation," he replied, unsure of what sort of response the man was looking for.
Slowly lowering himself from his pedestal served to surprise him, as his bare feet came in contact with several pieces of jewelry and cloth laid at the base of the bed. The elf blinked at the offending pieces. His eyes then darted back to the statues, taking in the similar objects at their bases before he let his eyes once again settle on the ones beneath him.
"Gifts, to honour you and bid you welcome," Addrodoc chirped in quickly, seemingly sensing the elf's confusion.
Legolas slowly stepped over them, stretching out his cramped body and still unsure of how to interpret everything. "Your hospitality is gift enough. I need no more from you," he said slowly.
Addrodoc eyed him for a long disapproving moment. "Of course you need them," he snapped somewhat. "In fact they are inadequate to have been given to one such as you. As soon as you are fully yourself I am sure all in the town will wish to bring you symbols of their homage."
Legolas blinked, his mind unconsciously taking note that he carried no weapons upon himself. He looked around briefly trying to locate Gimli, sure that at any moment the dwarf would pop out and start laughing at the prank that was currently being played against him. Yet no dwarf appeared and the expression upon Addrodoc's face remained icily straight in it conviction.
If this were a joke, then none laughed at it.
Swallowing in frustration Legolas decided that for the moment he would ignore this newest development. "My horse, Arod, how does he fair?" he asked suddenly realizing guiltily that he had not yet asked after the mount.
"We of course tend him with all care. The last report I received was favourable. He will live to carry you once again."
"Ah," Legolas said uncertainly, still entirely uncomfortable with the situation. "And my friend, Gimli? Where is he?"
"Your servant is receiving all care. He is being well tended, fear not."
"He is not my servant, merely a travelling companion," Legolas interjected quickly, now more certain then ever that he should not encourage these people in their belief's, despite the fact that he was losing the chance of a life-time at mocking the dwarf.
Addrodoc analysed the elf unhappily; his brow furrowed and his mouth set into a definite frown. "You are confused. One so stunted and ugly could never be your equal," he stated firmly, as if he was trying to remind Legolas of something he should already know.
The tone of prejudice that Addrodoc employed angered the elf. Too often as of late had the pair of unlikely friends faced such scorn and disbelief. Legolas felt somewhat shamed to admit, even grudgingly to himself, that at one time he too would have thought such things. Yet he had allowed his own limited beliefs to be broken and he would not stand quietly by now and allow his friend or their friendship to be insulted.
The elf raised an eyebrow challengingly. "I have never valued the worth of my friends by their physical appearance. Beside, Gimli holds the beauty of the earth to him. He is a child of Aulë. I am grateful of his courage and support. I cherish the friendship that grows stronger between us," his tone brooking a confidence that could not be shaken.
Addrodoc frowned, if at all possible, harder His eyes scanned Legolas calculatingly, who refused to be intimidated by the gaze. The elf caught the man's gaze, holding it for the span of several breathes before Addrodoc broke it, looking understandably unnerved at having looked briefly into the soul of one of the firstborn.
"Well, friend or servant, his title matters little," the man mumbled, turning back to a small workbench of deep pine, and filling a glass with liquid. "Here, Most Honoured One. You must be parched," he offered, as a way of apology, his head bowed slightly in submission.
Legolas sighed. That was not what he had wanted. Shaking his head slightly he reached over and accepted the offered cup, bringing it to his nose to smell it uncertainly. A rich sugary smell greeted him and he realized this was the same thing he had drunken the night before. The dryness of his throat overrode his hesitation and he drank quickly, enjoying the strong flavour.
"I think I must go and find Gimli. Would you know where I should begin my search or could you lead me to him?" Legolas asked, as he finished off the drink.
"You should wait upon him, not have to go and search him out," Addrodoc said silkily, his tone once again adopting its tranquil lit.
Legolas opened up his mouth, his first inclination being to protest once again and explain that Gimli was his equal in all things, yet the words died in his throat. Why was Gimli not already here at his side? Why had he awoken to the care of strangers? Why should he, the one who was injured, have to seek out the companionship of the dwarf?
He suddenly felt he understood what Addrodoc was saying. It was true that, of the two friends, it should be the dwarf who should come to Legolas. He nodded, stiffly, once, his hands fiddling with the empty cup he still held. He was not well yet and this left him feeling drained and tired.
He placidly allowed Addrodoc to take the cup from him to refill. The human smiled kindly at Legolas, one of his hands reaching out to stroke a tangled golden lock upon the elf's shoulder before returning the drink to the elf, who sipped at it daintily.
"Who do you think I am?" Legolas asked suddenly, needing to hear it voiced directly.
Addrodoc smiled proudly, as a father would upon a son. He gently led Legolas back to the pedestal, helping the elf to lie down upon it once again. "You are the God of the forest, giver of life," he said, keeping his voice soft and soothing, so that Legolas had to strain to hear him. "It was you, who in the days long gone came and brought the world to life. It is written that one of sunlight, with the grace and beauty of the wind, breathed life into the forests and bid them come to life, and so they did. The trees opened their eyes, singing their praise of all that they saw, and our crops grew and thrived like never before. So shall these things pass again upon your return, in our hour of need."
Legolas shook his head, confusion etched into his fair features. "I have no such power. It is true that the forests of Fangorn rose to speak and to walk by the power of the Noldor elves of a much forgotten age, but I am not even of that descent. I am of the Sindarin blood line," he protested softly. "I have a great love of all things that grow, and share a certain bond with them, yet I lack the ability to awaken the land."
"Nay, you are the one who has returned to us, as it was prophesied. You are the very image of the one who was described in our sacred texts. You have this power and it only needs to be awoken, to be employed. Do not doubt yourself, for I will guide you in your path. I will see your destiny be unleashed," Addrodoc promised lightly, one of his hands once again coming forward to gingerly touch Legolas' brow, stroking it calmly with reverence.
"You mistake me," Legolas tried once again, his mind feeling sluggish. "I possess no such power or magic."
"The ground shall come to life where you touch it," Addrodoc replied forcefully. "A God cannot doubt himself, nor deny the potency of his powers."
Legolas blinked. Something about the whole conversation was striking him as wrong, incredibly wrong, yet he could not quite deduce what it was that so disturbed him. He shivered lightly, trying to pull away from Addrodoc's hand. The man immediately retracted the offending limb with a small apologetic twitch of his lips.
"You heal yourself most impressively, Lord, but you are still weak. Rest some more, while I arrange for a meal to be brought to you. I know this is all very confusing but I will see you through this, as is my destiny. You are in good hands. I will make sure you are prepared for what is expected of you, and all you have to do is trust me in the meanwhile. Can you do this?"
Legolas frowned. His trust was not given out blindly, to a human a barely knew. He was more tolerant of the other races then many elves, his friendships with people like Aragorn and Gimli having opened his eyes to the courage and strength of those who were not elves, but something warned him, deep down, against blindly accepting this man. Yet, he nodded obediently enough, confusing himself in the process.
"That is well, Lord," Addrodoc rewarded him politely, as if encouraging a small child in the codes of proper decorum. Legolas felt his pride flare against the tone, yet his body demanded rest, and no matter how stubbornly his mind protested, sleep he did.
~*~
Gimli sat on the smooth steps that lead up extravagantly to the golden encrusted doors of the temple. Once the dwarf had been told where Legolas was being kept it had been easy enough to find. In a town of surprising modesty the building seemed out of place, in both size and in prodigality, though the dwarf in Gimli had paused to examine some of the carvings which were chipped into the white stone walls with rapt fascination.
He had been in this position all night, and he was now damp with the morning dew and stiff from sleeping on the solid stone. He was, all together, in a horrible mood and his growing concern for his friend did not aid the condition of his temperament.
The main doors had been barred shut, and no one had answered the dwarf's forceful demands at being granted access. He had circled the entire perimeter of the building, trying to find a window he could break or force open, but the building seemed devoid of them on the lower stories. Above he could see them, yet the dwarf lacked the skill that would be needed to climb up to them, much to his own frustration.
He was laughing no longer.
His concern over the welfare of the elf was mounting. If these people had done anything to harm the elf, then Gimli promised quick retaliation. So he sat by the doors of the temple, his arms folded irritably across his chest, his pipe long since forgotten as he waited for someone to open up the building. He assumed that sooner or later someone would have to enter or leave the sept and so he waited with what little patience he could muster for such an event.
As the town slowly came to life under the sun's warming rays, the streets began to stir with activity. Gimli sat scowling at it, as street vendors appeared to slowly open up their market booths to the public, and the first few buyers came wandering into the town's center in search for possessions to buy. It was a quaint sort of picture, and curious eyes often turned in Gimli's direction before heads would bow down in deference.
Gimli found himself grinding his teeth together irritably, for as the buzzing activity grew so did the interest people expressed over the presence of the dwarf. Soon people began cautiously approaching the base of the steps leading up to the temple to crouch in the dirt, pressing their foreheads to the cold stone of the bottom step, before scurrying back to the their tasks.
Gimli knew not what to make of the gestures, finding it all rather embarrassing and ridiculous. Sometimes the stupidity of humans left him in speechless. They were too gullible for their own good; too quick to embrace what they were taught and fear what they did not understand.
Really, to believe an elf a deity! How could they be so mistaken?
The dwarf looked away from the street front, instead turning his gaze back to the door that kept him from his friend's side. He sat glaring at it with all he possessed, as if such a look could make it less solid. His hand started to play with the hilt of his axe, a sudden temptation to chop his way through it starting to bubble forth. He was certain that such an act would be frowned upon by the villagers however, and he was not certain he wanted to discover first hand what they would do to someone who would defile their place of worship. Yet, his concern for Legolas was quickly overriding his hesitation.
As he waited, he found himself unable to stand his vigilance. His eyelids felt like heavy curtains of lead bearing down his tired eyes, but as his eyes began to flicker shut, he heard several soft, muffled voices, off to one of the sides of the temple.
Cursing beneath his breath he rose, listening for the sound. He followed the wall of the temple, tracing its white stone with his left hand as he passed. The voices grew louder, more fervent and Gimli wondered what it could possibly be. As he rounded a corner, his eyes were greeted by a group of about a dozen people, men and women and children alike, gathered around several great statues of stone. Some of them were lighting long white candles, others were placing flowers, gold and a great many other things at the bases of the tall statues.
Gimli quietly approached the first statue, the tall figure of a woman, carved of pale grey stone. As he looked upon the woman's face, however eroded it was, he was greatly reminded of Galadriel, the Lady of Lothlorien, whom he was much enamoured with. The woman's left hand was held out, and in the palm of the stone hand was a beautiful flower. Her right hand, however, was gesturing to a tree, a live tree that grew at the base of her being. It was a small, wiry little thing, but the gaze in the weathered statue's eyes was one of much tenderness, and love regardless. A faint smile was on her lips, and Gimli found it fascinating that the makers of the statue were able to bring so much life to plain stone.
There were several other statues created in the same fashion, and Gimli found his eyes drinking in their beauty. He was surprised the people around him did not question his presence, yet he saw that most of them were kneeling before the statues, praying and singing, therefore paying little attention to him.
Who were these great images of stone? Gimli wondered. Who were these gods? The dwarf slowly racked his brain for the history of Fangorn. He knew this village lay in its shadow and so he tried to recall anything he might know of these peoples origins. Yet, Gimli was not a dwarf of book learning, and he had never tried to apply himself to such. He made a note to remember to ask Legolas of it, who would probably be more familiar with the legends of Ents then he himself was.
A young girl with large blue eyes and freckle-splattered skin approached the dwarf, and handed him a lit, white candle. He stared at the taper, unsure of what to do, but the youth took the lead. She walked slowly towards a bluish grey statue. There was already a knot of people there, a soft hum of voices filling the warm air. Gimli stood, as the girl kneeled, and watched the ceremony, feeling alien and foreign to the worship before him.
Yet, despite the unfamiliarity of what he was witnessing, the tenderness and reverence these people projected in their worship touched him. Though it was not the sort of ritual that he as a dwarf would ever partake in, he found some of his harsher views about these people's culture melting, feeling slightly guilty for so quickly judging it.
Turning his eyes from the soft features of the young girl as she kneeled before the statue, he shifted his attention instead to the stone in front of him. He could scarcely believe the sight that greeted him. Rising from the blue tinged stone stood Legolas, not alive and golden, as Gimli was accustomed to seeing him, but carved into something of lifelike quality from the rock face. He stood taller then was normal, his face tilted slightly, as the elf Gimli knew often held himself when he was feeling mischievous or playful. His hair was long and held the appearance of being blown in the wind, though a few of the individual stands had been broken off proving that it had been carved many years prior. The elf held his arms out slightly, his palms turned towards the ground, and from the base of the stature, directly underneath Legolas' hands, sprouted an array of beautiful flowers, their petals soft and gleaming with morning dew.
Had the statue not contained an obvious sign of age, Gimli could easily have believed that it was carved with Legolas being the model. He stood, staring open mouthed, beholding it. The sudden realization that these peoples believed that Legolas was a God making more sense now then ever before.
"Pretty," a small voice whispered at his elbow, and he turned to once again look at the child who had guided him over here, grinning up with him happily, with a single front tooth missing.
Gimli could do nothing but nod and the child smiled wider, a single youthful giggle emerging from her small frame. She reached over and touched the boot of the carving, running her tiny fingers over the polished stone reverently.
"Thank-you for showing me this, child. I think I understand better as a result," Gimli stated softly, scared that if he spoke too loudly the serenity of the scene would be crushed. She simply nodded once, accepting his words quietly.
The dwarf stared back at the stature one more time, desiring more then ever to see the flesh and blood version of his friend. He slowly wove his way back through the worshipers, watching their proceedings with renewed interest as he retraced his way back out of the garden. He quietly returned to his original spot of vigil, at the main steps overlooking the town square, his mind now filled with new thoughts and concerns.
As the noon-sun shone directly overhead, making sweat trail down the sides of the dwarf's face profusely, the heat surely and slowly becoming unbearable, the doors of the temple finally creaked open, swinging wide in two elegant arcs as they were thrown open. The suddenness of it startled Gimli and the dwarf had to jump back in order to avoid being hit by the think oaken doors.
Exiting dramatically from the entrance strode a powerfully built man, with broad, square shoulders and silvery hair. He wore thick robes of scarlet with golden patterns, similar to those found on the doors, embroidered down the front and around the cuffs of the outfit. He was the other healer who had been tending to Legolas, Gimli recognized, and also one of the survivors of the bandit attack.
The dwarf struggled to recall his name, wishing that he had payed more attention when the human had introduced himself. Addrock, Akrodor, Addrdot, Gimli thought as he ran through the possibilities in his head. He knew it was something along those lines. Addrodoc! As soon as he remembered it, he knew it was correct.
Addrodoc lifted his hands out, the long sleeves of his robes trailing all the way down to the ground. "My fellow townspeople," and it was true Gimli noted with a certain degree of shock. The market area seemed suddenly more full, people lingering in the area as if they had been awaiting this man's appearance. "The truest of miracles has finally come to pass! As our sacred texts have foretold the spirit of the forest, the Life-Giver has come to us to once again to give life to our lands!" The man's voice carried well, proving to have a deep, thunderous quality to it. It radiated confidence and joy, and Gimli did not doubt that this man was a leader of his people, for in certain ways the human reminded him of Aragorn.
The dwarf stood off to the side, completely unnoticed by the priest as he continued to address those who had gathered. "Soon the temple doors will be opened wide for all to come and worship, yet this morning still proves difficult, as the Life-Giver adjusts and heals. We must give Him time before we can display our pleasure and thanks. The Ritual of Regeneration shall take place in three days time at dusk and with it shall a new era be brought into being." As this final announcement was made, Gimli saw several people frown. A slight ripple of muttering spreading throughout those gathered.
Addrodoc seemed to notice this apprehension as well, for the man's face frowned unhappily as he watched the discord. "Worry not, my people. The god's will has never been clearer to me. I shall see that all is done to the their supreme will. Soon, you shall all be able to approach the Life-Giver and have your prayers answered!"
This last bit seemed to distract the people from the thoughts of the ritual. They smiled, cheering lightly at the thought of approaching their deity directly, basking in the radiance that so far only a select lucky few had seen.
Addrodoc smiled benignly, making a few small sweeping gestures with his hands, which Gimli assumed to be some sort of blessing. The man then turned, with a clean sweep of his robes, the thick sound of fabric sliding across the stone accompanied his movements. It was at this moment that Gimli stepped forwards, blocking the man's retreat back into the temple.
"For your sake, healer, my friend has best not be hurt, nor mistreated in any way," Gimli growled, the frustration of his night coming bubbling to the surface once again.
The man beheld Gimli with an irritated expression upon his face, looking as if this brief delay was costing him much inconvenience. With a small dismissive hand gesture he shook his head. "I would not dream of hurting He whom I care, for I am His humble servant," the man said, angered by the accusation that Gimli laid upon him.
The dwarf snorted, before turning and walking through the open doors. He turned once he had safely entered, placing his hands upon his hips. "Take me to the elf," he ordered imperiously.
Addrodoc entered still looking as if this was all horribly inconvenient. Sighing, and rubbing the bridge of his nose with two fingers, he looked at the dwarf once again. "So be it, but He currently rests and I will not have you disturb Him from a slumber which is much needed."
The dwarf nodded his head once, willing to agree to anything to be taken to Legolas' side once again. It was with a certain thrill of success that he followed Addrodoc through the twisting pathways of the temple towards the elf. So distracted with thoughts of Legolas that he never marked the doors sliding shut behind them once again, the small seal that marked that a door was present all but disappearing from view.
Gimli followed Addrodoc into a vast chamber hastily. The room had high ceilings which embraced the golden sunlight that streamed through the transparent windows, allowing streams of light to melt into the room, bathing the pedestal and its occupant at its far end in an almost a unnatural glow. The sight made Gimli pause as he was struck again with the notion that these people believed Legolas a god.
Looking at the elf sleeping, glowing with a certain power Gimli had never understood, made the dwarf almost believe it as well, but he pushed the thought from his head quickly. Legolas was many things, but a god he would never be, no matter how much he might fancy himself as one, Gimli thought with a smirk.
He crossed the room as quietly as he could, not desiring to disturb his friend's slumber, yet even with the clanking of his boots upon the stone echoing through the chamber Legolas did not stir. He slept soundly, his eyes closed as his body healed itself. Gimli frowned as he observed how pale the elf looked now that he was closer. Yet, the elf's chest rose and fell steadily, his face smooth and looking untroubled as he slept, and Gimli felt for the first time in nearly twelve hours that all was well.
He let out a small breathe of relief, smiling fondly down at his friend, his body finally losing the tension which had been building within him while he had been forced to wait. A yawn stretched his jaw wide then, as his body once again tried to demand he sleep. The dwarf was all too happy to comply as he settled himself down on the floor a short distance away from Legolas.
He ignored Addrodoc completely as he gratefully slipped into slumber.
Reviewer Responses: (I hope I got you all!)
Bookworm2000 ~ Yeah, I don't think Gimli would make a good valet, do you? LOL. We really had fun thinking that up and planning how to write it in. Look for future fun between Legolas and Gimli on the subject.
Karri ~ I loved writing Arod. In the last chapter eLLe did most of the Legolas scene where I wrote most of the Gimli and Arod moments. I was wondering if people would notice when we shifted over. In this chapter I would write part of scene and then email it to eLLe and she would write part of it and send it back. I am hoping it does not turn out choppy as a result. I am glad you are finding moments funny – we were aiming for that! (^_^)
Sirithiliel ~ Well this chapter revealed a little about the prophesy. You are starting to get a picture of what these people are expecting from Legolas but not everything has been revealed yet. Other story is still on the cold burner but I am hoping to get it sorted out soon.
wellduh… ~ Yeah, I know. These poor deluded villagers have some really skewed notions of Gimli and Legolas. I am glad you liked Rulif. I had fun writing him. He was a cutie and might appear again later – so keep your eyes out for him. So far there are no other graphic battle scenes but if there are I might up the rating. Thanks for pointing that out to me. (^_^) 'Fading Hope'… I have been having problems writing it… as soon as I am done the next chapter I will post it.
Gwyn ~ I am glad this cheered you up and that you found it funny. We had fun with the Gimli/servant thing too. These people's antics will only more ludicrous too as time goes on. I hope you continue to get a kick out of it and thanks so much for reviewing it!
randomramblings ~ Did you get the magazine and was the interview any good? Or were the Orlando pictures at least drool worthy? I am glad it is original. We wanted to do something that no one else had done before and to hear we are succeeding just makes us ecstatic!
Artemisa ~ Your stories deserve compliments! It is interesting to me that you think sacrifice right away. You are a perceptive reader! Keep the guesses coming. Fading Hope will come eventually – thanks for your patience concerning it. eLLe sends her thanks for your support and reviews!
merrylyn ~ Your back! I wondered where you had disappeared too and positively jumped up and down when I got your reviews. I totally agree with you about thinking Legolas worship worthy, lol. I mean ff.net is almost completely a cult of drooling elf followers, so this story seems appropriate given that. I am sure you are a wonderful writer. Why don't you post something here? I would go and read it! We really start having fun with the whole Gimli servant thing too before this story ends. It actually becomes a really important factor – but I am not going to drop any more hints about that yet. LOL. So you have been having a first hand count of what it is like to go drinking with a dwarf, eh? LOL. That would be something – and I suddenly understand a lot better of why you might have disappeared. *offers you some Tylenol*
Chanra ~ I am glad you enjoyed this so far – and I am pleased to offer what ever escapes from tedious school lessons as I can, lol. I mean I am a student too – so I understand all too well the importance of procrastination when you get over stressed. ^_^
Ryoko: the Welsh Elf ~ Yes, poor Gimli. This whole view of him as a servant is really going to grate on him before the end of the story. It is going to provide lots of wonderful dialogue opportunities between the duo. Thanks for your review.
LalaithoftheBruinen ~ *gobbles up the plot bunnies that were sent in my direction* Well thanks for the fuel and we will write as quickly as we can! I hope you continue to enjoy the story.
MadMaddie ~ I am pleased you think this well written. eLLe and I went over this looking for mistakes countless times – and it never fails… as soon as I post the newest chapter I find at least one mistake… *sigh* but I guess some things are unavoidable. Thanks so much for reviewing my 'Wet Elves' vignette too and I pleased you liked it. Of all my pieces that one has received the least attention so I always get really excited when I receive feedback on it.
Elberethia ~ I agree completely. Pass me an elf shrine and I would volunteer to be a priestess, *grin*. I am glad you are finding this amusing. I like trying to include an element of humor in my writing so it encourages me greatly when I hear I have managed to do so. Thanks for your review.
Elfling ~ Glad you liked Rulif. I was fond of him too! I had a lot of fun (and giggles) writing him. So you are getting bad vibes from Addrodoc, are you? Well I suppose this chapter would not have helped you with that vibe, lol. I am sorry to hear you are not feeling well. I hope you get well soon! Yes, the servant thing we are going to have fun with. It will become a major plot point later on too. I am glad you think this is original! We wanted to come up with something that no one had done before, and for the history of Fangorn and stuff we did a lot of research to make it believable. I am sorry about 'Fading Hope'. I am having problems with the next chapter. I will be back at school soon so writing will become a major procrastination activity for me – so it will mean I will be posting more often! Yippee! I will get it up there asap! Thanks for the review.
Shlee Verde ~ *squeals* I am so thrilled you think this is excellent. My ego is just expanding with all of this encouragement from wonderful reviewers like you! Hope you continue to enjoy.