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The True Face of Courage  by FirstMate 12 Review(s)
BlueEyedElfReviewed Chapter: 5 on 10/21/2005
Yay! Elladan and Legolas to the rescue.

Hats off to Thranduil and Legolas for their neat intervention in this situation. They were beyond awesome. I especially enjoyed it when Legolas, knowing that arguing with his father would get him nowhere, neatly used one of his own lessons to win him over. Very clever.

However, poor Elladan. He's just too stressed out to be rational at this point. Same goes for Elrond and Celebrian.

I will be eagerly waiting for the next chapter. I'm ready to see them get Elrohir out of that cave.

Author Reply: Hi! Yep, Elladan and Legolas were the heroes (just posted the next chapter a couple of minutes ago). Elladan did end up being rather stressed--to the point that he really wasn't thinking clearly in a lot of places. Luckily, he had his old pal Legolas along to help out. Guess that's what friends are for...to help you out when the going is tough! Hope you like this next chapter. :)

WindSingerReviewed Chapter: 5 on 9/27/2005
I am dragging myself out of lurk mode to shoot you at least one quick review of 'The True Face of Courage'. I read (also copied so I could take home and re-read often) and thouroughly enjoyed your story 'Lost' but never got off one review. So, when I found myself hooked on this story also I was determined to get off at least one itty, bitty, little review.

This is a wonderful, well written, carefully plotted story in which the characters seem so alive they almost dance off the page (and it is a page as I don't have time to read until I get home with my printed copy of each chapter). I am so enjoying how real you make our heroes, mainly by showing that they, too, have emotions we can identify with. They are not perfect, although they deal with their imperfections, weaknesses and mistakes in much more mature, adult ways than most of us would.

It makes sense that Estel would be disappointed to see what he could not help but see as a weakness in one of his strong, stoic, perfect, elder (by thousands of years) brothers. I am sure he has put them on a pedestal, examples of what to always strive for, never being able to actually ascend the heights completely himself no matter how hard he tries. It will be a good lesson for him to learn -- not anyone is perfect, even his brothers, but that makes them no less of a person - or an elf - no less honorable, strong, worthy.

I can also understand completely why the brothers themselves would be hesitant to discuss the horrific event that lead to the less than heroic reaction to small, dark caves full of rats.

Ah, Legolas to the rescue! And what a nice, fuzzy, elfling story; complete with anxt, worried parents, discovered reserves of strength and learning about the 'twin bond' by everyone involved.

Very nice! Thank you so much for taking the time to share - even with those of us who don't seem to be able to find the time or words to review.

Kudos! Keep up the good work and remember that for every one who takes time to send you a review there are a horde of us lurking shamelessly, waiting anxiously for each update!

WindSinger



Author Reply: "WindSinger"...what a lovely name! Well, when you de-lurk, you do it in style. What a nice, long review. Hmmm...I like having the elves be imperfect also. If they had no flaws, they wouldn't be nearly as...well, pardon the expression...human. Besides, perfect beings wouldn't be quite so noble and amazing. I mean, being good because you are programmed to be that way isn't as inspiring as being good and brave as a choice. And who can identify with perfect people? I think Estel will actually come to appreciate that the twins aren't perfect either. When he thinks about it, he'll realize that he has a much better chance of being like them if they aren't up on a pedestal. As for why the brothers don't discuss Elrohir's aversion to caves and rats--Elrohir is embarrassed by it and Elladan simply doesn't want to make him feel bad. Hey, glad you also liked "Lost." It was the first story I'd written in years, so I was VERY hesitant to send it out into the world and reviews made all the difference. Thanks so much for de-lurking. I know it's SO easy to lurk (I'm a former lurker myself!), but reviews really are so appreciated! :)

ElentarielReviewed Chapter: 5 on 9/20/2005
I'm so glad you've updated! This sounds like a hero(es) setup Elladan and Legolas to the rescue! Update soon!

Author Reply: Yep, Elladan and Legolas to the rescue! I've already written them going back through the cave and reaching Elrohir...now I just have to write them getting him out!

KittyReviewed Chapter: 5 on 9/18/2005
I’ll understand if you give up on me and move on.  Sigh….
No, my dear, I *absolutely* refuse to give up! Even if I have to wait half a year for each chapter (well, I hope you're a bit faster), this is much too good and I love the story too much to ever stop reading and hoping for more!
*sends a bit spare time*

That was another touching chapter. I felt so sorry for Elladan while he searched for his twin and fought then so much to wake him up and to save him. His desperation was heartbreaking. And it was so sweet that he gave his brother his shoe - a symbol they will be together again.

Bless Thranduil and Legolas! I was glad Legolas offered to help, and Thranduil did very well in his questioning of Elladan. He truly found the right words when Elrond wasn't able to do it in his fear and anguish for Elrohir! And I can understand Elrond and Celebrían didn't want for Elladan to go back alone or only with Legolas, but they had to understand Elladan couldn't stay with them and abandon his helpless twin. I enjoyed it how Legolas convinced his ada with Thranduil's own words! In the end Elrond probably has to thank Legolas for Elrohir's rescue, because Legolas convinced Thranduil and Thranduil Elrond.

I look forward to the next chapter!

Author Reply: You sent me spare time! THANKS! I can use all I can get. Giving Elrohir the shoe was Elladan's way of protecting his brother...well, that and the torch. He hated leaving him behind, but he was smart enough to know he had to. He did all he could, though, to take care of his twin. He's a good brother! And Legolas is a good friend. Even as a little fellow, he was willing to go into a dark, nasty cave to rescue his friend. It's good that Thranduil was willing to listen. Thanks for the second note and your patient attitude!

GladysReviewed Chapter: 5 on 9/17/2005
I won't give up on you FirstMate, not if I can blow myself up first. You can do it!

Author Reply: Well, that's incentive to keep writing! No blowing up, my dear! :)

KittyReviewed Chapter: 5 on 9/17/2005
Dont worry about the late posting. I love this story and will once again wait for an update to read it.

I love the thought of Little Legolas and Elladan going to save Elrohir!

Author Reply: Thank you so much for being willing to wait. I'm working on the next chapter, but I'm just not going as fast as I'd like. It's coming along, though, and little Elrohir will be rescued soon!

BodkinReviewed Chapter: 5 on 9/17/2005
Give up on you? Never! Keep the story coming as quickly as you can, that's all I ask.

Elladan is very brave here - and so is Legolas. And they are right; they are the only two who can rescue Elrohir quickly enough to be any good. And Elladan is the one most likely to be able to reach into the world into which his brother has withdrawn.

Thranduil did well - his questioning was very subtle and extracted the information that Elrond couldn't bring himself to request.

That cave is a nasty place with a capital N - I think Estel ought to be shut in there for a while. (I haven't forgotten his teenage pain-in-the-derriere qualities!)

I look forward to the next chapter - whenever that might come.

Author Reply: Oh, I haven't forgotten Estel's...uhm...less-than-endearing behavior either. He's still not over his snit, though, and will have to have a little more wisdom pounded into him before he gets a clue. Yeah, little Elladan and little Legolas are being brave to go back into the nasty cave. I like to think it's a reflection of how they'll be when they're older--ready to sacrifice when needed. Thanks for sticking it out with me and being patient!

CreashunsReviewed Chapter: 5 on 9/17/2005
(I’ll understand if you give up on me and move on.)....WHAT?!?!?!!!
Nope, the good things are WORTH waitiing for!
I love this fic, actually I love all you work - take your time...
We'll still be here when you come back, (we're a very bored lot that has nothing else to do- pathetic I know).

Cheers!
Creashuns


Author Reply: Thank you, my dear! Your review genuinely made me smile. I'm so glad you enjoy my stories!

pipinheartReviewed Chapter: 5 on 9/16/2005

I love this... Poor Elrohir is so scared and so is hidding in his mind... And Elladan won't take no for an answer... He and Legolas are going to save him, I hope they get back before the rats...

Please contine...

Author Reply: Elladan and Legolas will get there soon (well, when I get the chapter written and posted) and Elrohir will be saved (finally!) I'll continue as soon as I can! :)

RobinscatReviewed Chapter: 5 on 9/16/2005
I am still here and reading your story. I like it very much, always like young Legolas stories. Sorry, he is my favorite, although I know this is the twin's story.

Don't beat youself up over rl. It happens, and write in your own time.

Robin

Author Reply: Yes, this is really a 'twins' story, but Legolas does play a part all throughout it. He's a brave little fellow and I like that he takes risks for his friends. I guess I don't have choice about rl...it will take my time whether I want it to or not. Thanks for the review!

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