Stories of Arda - Lord of the Rings Fan-Fiction Archive


	About Us News Resources Login Become a member Help Search

Till Death Us Do Part by Jay of Lasgalen	9 Review(s)
Larner	Reviewed Chapter: 1 on 5/10/2009
Letting go of the grief can be difficult, and even then it can come back to haunt you. Alas for the pain he feels; but at least they handled it well and he found himself accepting the loss in time.

pipinheart	Reviewed Chapter: 1 on 7/12/2005
This is a very emotional piece,and it is writen so well... I was heartbroken when Elrohir died and the pain Eladan went through was sad. All those that love him he comes to realize after so long as they celebrate his twins life.... Love this....Keep up the writing.... Author Reply: It made me very sad as I was writing this. Elrohir's my favourite character, and to kill him was horrible! Elladan's grief and pain was even harder - but I wanted to end this on a lighter note, as he remembers the good times.

Kitty	Reviewed Chapter: 1 on 5/2/2005
Oh Jay, I don't know what to say. After your warning I didn't dare to read this today morning at work, and now I am glad - I'm sitting here in tears. It was so sad and touching - Elladan's slow realisation what had happened, his last minutes with his beloved twin, how he eased his last moments ... Poor Elladan, it must be quite hard for him to live without his twin, considering their strong, close bond. He has to be very strong for bearing it without fading. I am glad Glorfindel has called for Aragorn and Arwen and organized this wake for it seems to help Elladan to let go at least some of his grief. But when I remember it is not very long and he has to cope with the loss of his sister and foster-brother as well I am very worried. I only hope Námo will release Elrohir quite soon from the Halls of Mandos, and be it only for the sake of Elladan! Author Reply: I don't think Elladan ever believed he could survive Elrohir's death, and he was rather surprised when he did. He wants to stay for Arwen and Aragorn as well - but there are difficult times ahead. The death scene was difficult to write, but it was important that they had those last few moments together - it would have been far worse if Elladan had got there to find Elrohir already dead :( Thanks for the review - and as I've said to others, in an odd way I'm glad it made you cry.

Dot	Reviewed Chapter: 1 on 5/2/2005
I know the summary said character death but crikey, I never expected this! You and Námo really have it in for Elrohir ;-) This was amazing. I thought the part with Elladan’s slow and terrible realisation that it’s not his own pain that he’s feeling was just brilliant. So well done. I think my heart missed a beat when he staggered over and found Elrohir lying on the ground in such agony. The death scene was both powerful and painful. I don’t know which of them I felt worse for. My heart went out to Elladan as he struggled against the knowledge that he was losing his twin and then giving in to offer Elrohir what comfort he could. And Elrohir! I thought he was very brave in the face of his death, and I had tears in my eyes when he asks his brother for forgiveness. I’m so glad Elladan was able to ease his pain a little. I loved the line “Around them, the warriors of Imladris knelt; their heads bowed, right hand to left breast; in homage at the passing of one of the twin lords of Imladris.” So sad. What a devastating thing for Glorfindel too. Your picture of Elladan’s grief is heart-breaking, but very realistic too. How elves survive such deep and long-lasting grief, I don’t know. I really liked the scene between him and Glorfindel. Poor Glorfindel must have had a tough job, dealing with his own grief and that of Elladan as well. I’m glad he finally tried to make Elladan see how much he’s missing out on life while he dwells on his loss and took it upon himself to send for Elladan’s family and friends. The inscription on the stone is so beautiful in its simplicity, and it’s a lovely thought that a willow was planted there in his memory. The memories everyone shared just about killed me, Jay! It was all so moving, and made even more special, I think, because the readers know the events and moments that are mentioned, and the characters who speak. Beregar’s memory of Elrohir was particularly touching – compassion is indeed a trait I associate with your Elrohir. How good of Arwen & co. to persuade Elladan to join them in the sitting room. They probably needed this themselves and they clearly knew that Elladan needs it. I also found myself smiling at the memories and tales they share! It’s hard to watch this and know that it’s not so long before Elladan will lose Aragorn and Arwen too but I’m so pleased that for now he’s found some peace. This is absolutely excellent – shocking, moving and written with such skill and sensitivity. I’m really looking forward to seeing the second part of this :-) Author Reply: grin It was third time lucky for Námo! The death scene was difficult to write, but I couldn't have Elrohir die alone and in pain. Elladan had to be there, and able to ease his brother. It was a sad time for all the warriors from Imladris, as they had all known the twins since they were elflings. It was especially hard for Glorfindel, as I tend to think he was like a second father to them - or rather, they were like sons to him. It does mean that he is able to help Elladan, though. I'm glad you liked the inscription. I wanted to keep it simple, and deliberately didn't put Elladan's name on it - it just wasn't necessary. I also wanted to show Arwen worried about Elladan's well-being - she's lost one brother already. You're right, they all needed this time of healing. Finally, the memories - it was too dfficult to create new memories of Elrohir, and knew it would unleash too many plot bunnies and people asking 'when did that happen?' It was far easier to use earlier stories, that people could remember along with Elladan. Thanks. I'm glad you liked this.

French Pony	Reviewed Chapter: 1 on 5/2/2005
You've really got it in for Elrohir, haven't you? The thing with his birth, the boys and the dog, the spider bite, and now killing him off with Orcs. . . I bet the only thing that keeps him from running screaming to the hills when he sees you approaching is that he knows that, deep down, you really like him, and that whatever you do to him, you'll write it well. This story follows admirably in that tradition, right from the beginning when Elladan kneels stunned in the middle of the battle and feels that piercing pain and can't tell whose wound it is. I love the twins' last words, which are almost crueler than having Elladan find Elrohir dead. The idea of holding a memorial / wake for Elrohir was a lovely one, though I'm a little surprised that Glorfindel waited a hundred years, given the state that Elladan was in. Perhaps being immortal makes Elves a little slow on the uptake. But, late as it came, it was good for Elladan to hear all those memories, especially those of the childhood bullies. Those old ghosts might be partially soothed now. I also notice that this story doesn't seem to fit into your established arc, as it's a hundred years after the War of the Ring and Legolas is still alive and kicking. I could have sworn that he bought it much earlier, courtesy of a lightning bolt, and that both twins came to his funeral. But perhaps I am mistaken. Or perhaps this is outside your regular arc. Who knows? End of semester is approaching, and for all I know, I've turned into a three-headed giant with purple polka dots, and I wouldn't notice. But, yes, good story. Author Reply: Believe it or not, Elrohir is my favourite character, so why do I love to hurt him?? I particularly like to write about their bond, and how what I do to one twin affects the other. I couldn't let Elrohir die alone though, and have Elladan be told by someone else. Those last moments together were important. A funeral etc was held for Elrohir at the time, and many elves would have spoken of him then. Elladan just wasn't in any state to listen then. After 100 years, Glorfindel decided that enough was enough. I think both this story and 'To The Ends of Middle Earth' (where Legolas is killed) are AU to my universe - I want them all to sail to Valinor and live happily ever after, really!

elliska	Reviewed Chapter: 1 on 5/2/2005
Holy Cow, Jay! I guess I will take it more seriously from now on when you put a warning on a chapter. I made the mistake of reading this at work and now I have to explain to my lab assistants why I am bawling like a baby over a fictional character. This was really powerfully written! Very provocative. Moving. Exceptionally well done. I can't formulate much more right now. Wow! Author Reply: Don't forget, I did warn you about character death! You're not the only one who cried over this chapter, and I hope you understand when I say I'm glad it made you cry. I'm sorry about your workmates, though! I'm glad you thought it was so powerful and affecting.

Bodkin	Reviewed Chapter: 1 on 5/2/2005
Poor Elladan. (Such a cruel author.) Poor Elrohir - apologising for dying. Knowing how devastating your death would be to your twin. Surviving the spider only to have Namo put his foot down this time. I'm glad Glorfindel insisted on holding this wake - I should think everyone remaining in Imladris has been walking on eggshells for a century, and it is probably necessary for others than Elladan to have this moment of remembering Elrohir. And Elladan needs to recover a bit if he is going to make it to the Blessed Realm, for if Elrohir died after the War of the Ring - and it's a century ago - then Elladan is not long from losing his foster brother and his sister as well. And his parents need him to make the journey by ship rather than via the Halls of Mandos. Author Reply: sigh poor twins :( It was a case of third time lucky for Námo - this time he got to keep Elrohir! The treading on eggshells comment is right, I think - everyone would be wary of mentioning Elrohir, if Elladan didn't want to talk about it. This is set about FA 110, so is ten years before Aragorn's (and Arwen's) deaths - hence Arwen calling Aragorn an old man! Elladan is finally beginning to come out of his grief, and starting to recover - as much as he ever can. There will be an epilogue soon. Thanks for the review!

Celebwen	Reviewed Chapter: 1 on 5/1/2005
Jay! My goodness! How heartbreaking can you possibly be????? =D Goodness, I was actually crying through this. I can't wait for more. I loved the part about 'Ro losing his memory for a bit, as my good friend recently got hit in the jaw during one of our softball games and couldn't remember any of the whole day when she got to school the next day. =) I had to fill her in a bit...eg Well, indescrib╦Äly wonderful job once again. POST MORE SOON!!!! Author Reply: Is it horrible of me to say that I'm glad it made you cry? I'm glad it was so effective - but poor Elladan! The story about Elrohir losing his memory comes in 'With Friends Like These' (as does the one about the spider). There will be a short epilogue to go with this.

daw the minstrel	Reviewed Chapter: 1 on 5/1/2005
I particularly liked the opening of this, Jay, with Elladan feeling Elrohir's pain and only gradually realizing what had happened. I'm glad he was comforted by the memories of his brother, memories we readers share! Author Reply: Poor Elladan. I can't believe I wrote a story where one of the twins survives the death of the other :( I think that for elves, the grieving process would take much longer, before they finally come to that acceptance and can remember without pain. There will be a short epilogue to follow this, which is already half written.

Return to Chapter List