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| To Give Hope by Peredhil lover | 6 Review(s) |
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| Inariel | Reviewed Chapter: 2 on 4/17/2007 |
| This is a nice chapter. This story seems to be the promised prequel to "Day and Night", in which case we already know generally speaking in which direction it goes. You touch an interesting topic showing how distressed were Elrond's sons over Arathorn's death. With a million apologies to those who might feel insulted by this comparison, but the only way *I* could think of how that might feel was by watching people who lost pets: I had hoped that an Elf would be at least as distressed by the loss of a human friend as most humans are when they lose their pets... Your portrait of Elladan, so distressed by the loss of Arathorn that he is partially shielding his heart and mind against Aragorn seems very plausible to me. Also, I found your portrait of Elrond consistent both with the canon and with the fan fic stories in this site. What touched me most was Elrond kneeling on the floor to comfort Elladan... It was as unexpected (at least for this reader:-)) as Elladan's kneeling in front of him was for Elrond. After all, Elrond is not only the twins' father, he is also their lord. Even if he did not often see them kneeling to him, he should not have been too shocked when Elladan did it. But then, in a similar situation, most lords and fathers would have raised Elladan back up rather than kneel down beside him. A very touching gesture. Author Reply: Thank you so much for the detailed review! I love it when reviews give me such insight into what the readers are thinking and how they are reacting to my writing. I think that your analogy might be quite accurate to describe the reaction of the elves of Imladris to the death of their mortal friends. Due to the fact that their lord is half human, Imladris elves would have a lot greater exposure to humans than the elves of Mirkwood and Lorien, and would have to develop strategies to cope with watching so many of them die. One theme that is central to just about everything I write is that Elladan and Elrohir are not elves. The twins have become, over the centuries, very closely tied to their father's brother's descendants. Thus, Elladan's deep distress over Arathorn's death is a reaction not only to the death of a good friend, but also to someone he considers his kin. I picture elven culture as being far more equitable than human society. There would still be a chain of command, of course, but there is far less emphasis on hierarchy. Elrond in particular, at least how I imagine him, would not want his people to bow to him, and it has never been an expectation, particularly from his own sons. It is even more shocking to him that it is strong, proud Elladan who is kneeling before him, and it is a further indication of just how desperate his son is. Thank you so much for reviewing. peredhil lover | |
| daw the minstrel | Reviewed Chapter: 2 on 4/10/2007 |
| I thought the interaction between Elrond and his sons was particularly well done in this. The Sons of Elrond are barely sketched in in the books, so it's always interesting to see what writers make of them. Author Reply: Thanks for reviewing, daw. I'm so glad to know that you enjoyed the interaction between Elrond and his sons. I wasn't sure how people would react to my depiction of the relationship between Elrond and Elladan as it is rather different than how it is commonly portrayed. I believe you once said in a review that you enjoy tension between sympathetic and ‘good’ characters and I agree--it keeps things interesting. However, I did want to ensure that their behaviour was believable and consistent with how they have been depicted up until now, and, importantly, not in violation of Tolkien's canon. I agree that there is so much room left for interpretation of their characters in the books, so it gives us a fair amount of freedom. Thanks again, peredhil lover | |
| Selene Aduial | Reviewed Chapter: 2 on 4/10/2007 |
| This was a very powerful chapter you wrote. Elladan's feelings of pain at all that happend are so palpable it made me cry. Elrond knows that he has the gift of foresight but doesn't trust it. We know he will indeed find hope, in more ways. More please? Author Reply: Thanks so much for your kind review, Selene Aduial. It is flattering to me as a writter to know that you found this chapter to be so powerful and moving. Elladan will find his hope, but it is more a question of when. There are quite a few "young Estel comes to Imladris and brings hope back into the lives of Elrond and the twins" stories out there, and I did not want to simply copy that same idea. Elladan regaining his hope and healing from some of his hurts is going to be a gradual and fairly slow process, as it often is in life. Thanks again, peredhil lover | |
| Larner | Reviewed Chapter: 2 on 4/9/2007 |
| Estel has come to them, and all will embrace him and the hope he brings in his train. Author Reply: Well, in the stories I have written, Elladan will not be quite so quick to embrace Estel, and takes him at least 18 years to realize that there is still hope. It will be a gradual process for Elladan to recover from his pains. Thanks for your comments, peredhil lover | |
| Shireling | Reviewed Chapter: 2 on 4/9/2007 |
| Hi I really liked the two very different relationships in this chapter. Glorfindel and Elrond know each other so well that there a no secrets between them and Glorfindel has the history and the knowledge to nudge his friend to look deeply within himself. Elladan's grief and dispair were raw and urgent. . .far too painful for him to hide or disguise and despite his harsh words and critisism he is secure enough in his father's love to voice those fears. Perhaps one newly orphaned little boy can show him that there is indeed hope still remaining in Arda. Thank you for a thoughtful look into this sad episode shireling Author Reply: I'm so glad to know that you enjoyed the relationships portrayed in this chapter. Yep, Glorfindel is a very wise elf, and he can tell when his dear friend is not being completely honest even with himself. It's nice to know that you found Elladan's actions to be believable as well. If you read some of my other stories, you'll see that it may take Elladan a while to come around to the realization that there is still hope. Thank you so much for reviewing! peredhil lover | |
| sammijoy | Reviewed Chapter: 2 on 4/9/2007 |
| Wow! What an intense chapter. I love how you've written Eladdan and I see him reactng in that vein. I'll be anxiously waiting more. Sammi Author Reply: Thanks so much for reviewing, Sammi! It's nice to get some feedback. I'm not sure how readers are going to react to this portrayal of the relationship between Elladan and his father and I'm glad to know that you found it believable. peredhil lover | |