daw the minstrel
· 25 June 2004
· Chapter 14: Sorrow and Joy
I had to stop reading as say how much I loathe and despise and hate Robard. I hope you have a very nasty fate in store for him, if not later in this chapter then in another one. OK. Back to reading now.
Also I'm feeling very claustrophobic reading about Elrohir in that box. Ick. Is it hot in here?
You've done a nice job here of showing how what could be called victory came because Elrohir treated Kalen with compassion instead of hostility.
Author's reply
Your assessment of Robard seems to be what everyone thinks. Personally, I agree. He is a horrid little man and deserves to have some awful things happen to him! Yes...the box was hot. And stuffy. And dark. And although I didn't have Elrohir think too much about it in the last chapter, he will have to deal with it in the next! Thanks for the review!
Liz
· 25 June 2004
· Chapter 14: Sorrow and Joy
Excuse me while I dance around the room full of happiness because you updated!!!!! I can't even tell you how unbelievably happy I am about that! Woohoo!!!
Yeah, so that Polinas- I have a very serious need to kick his ass. You talk about rage, man, I was definitely feeling some of that when I read how that piece of scum was responsible for all the twins' pain and heartache. How could the valor let him hang out with them? Surely they must know what he did. Call me unforgiving, but I'm feeling a need for justice regarding Kalen and Matias. I'm not saying they shouldn't receive some compassion (after all they did the right thing in the end), but they need to be punished or something. And that human! He needs some good smacking around. Perhaps the elf who found him (horrible memory for names but started with a B) could dish out an appropriate whooping.
Your writing always gets me all riled up (that's a good thing). I'm not trying to be inpatient, but could you please herry up and write the last chapter? I feel a little better now that Elrohir's memories are back and he's home, but I want Elladan to be happy too. I wonder how Elrohir's going to feel when he finds out that his brother had given up on him? And I still say Elladan should get to say 'I told you so' about that horse or at least Elrohir should acknowledge that he should have listened to his brother!
Loved this! Thank you, Domo Arigato, Gracias, Grazi, Danke, etc. for updating! I am soooo happy!
Author's reply
I'm so glad you enjoyed the chapter...although it took a long time, I actually did enjoy writing it (the previous chapter had been SO irritating to write for some reason). Well, Robard is going to get what he deserves early in the next chapter (already written) and I'm trying to come up with the best solution for Kalen and Matias. I have some ideas, but need to refine them...sigh. The scene I'm looking forward to writing most of all is the reunion between the twins, though. I'm an absolute mush when it comes to "happy endings," so it's the part I can't wait to get to! Thanks again for the review!
Lossenchristal
· 25 June 2004
· Chapter 14: Sorrow and Joy
Wow! Ok, you are forgiven for taking so long to update!;) That was the most awesome chapter! I was grinning from ear to ear as the events and answers unfolded! Wow! I don't know what else to say! Great work! Please keep it up!:)
Namarië,
Lossenchristal
Author's reply
Thank you, thank you, thank you for being the first reviewer on this chapter. It took SO long to write that I wondered if folks would even remember the story, so I've been sitting here on edge ever since I posted it, waiting to see if I got any reviews. Whew! Your lovely review filled me with relief! Anyhow, glad you approved of the way things have worked out. I changed the story mid-stream from my original intent (way back when I started, I'd planned to have orcs capture and torture Elrohir), but I decided that simply being beaten up by orcs wouldn't cause an elf to lose his memories...ergo, enter Kalen and Matias! Thanks again so much for the quick review!
Liz
· 12 May 2004
· Chapter 13: Before the Dawn
Hi!
I'm just dropping by to remind you that you promised me you'd finish the story...I know, perfection takes time; I'm just impatient. :0)
I was re-reading the story while in wait for the conclusion and I can't believe Elladan isn't the slightest bit ticked that if Elrohir had listened to him in the first place, none of this would have happened. He was right! Elrohir should have taken a different horse! When the twins get reunited (again), I hope Elladan gets to say I told you so!
If any of your muses need a good kick 'cause their acting up, please let me know and I'll be happy to help the situation. Anything to get an update. I'm dying without any closure...you write too well.
Author's reply
Sigh. Thank you SOOO much for your review. It came at a point when I hadn't even thought of my story for weeks as things have just been too busy. Hearing from you made me quite happy, since it indicated that my poor little story hadn't been forgotten and there are still folks out there who want to see what happens next. Anyway, if you do have any influence over my muses, please send them home. They weren't just acting up, they ran away! BTW...you are right, if Elrohir had listened to Elladan, things would have turned out much differently. Of course, the bad elves were determined to get him (explanation in the next chapter), so they would probably have just found some other place and time. I'm not sure how Elladan will react. He definitely could say "I told you so," but initially he's going to just be grateful to get his brother back. Hmmmm....
ValkrieCrow
· 12 April 2004
· Chapter 13: Before the Dawn
Wow...just...wow. Well, I certainly wasn't expecting that! I can't wait for the next update! (You might be happy to know that I will not sick my demon dog after you.....yet.)
Author's reply
Yipes...I sense your demon dog nipping at my heels. I have been SO slow about updating. I AM working on the next chapter, though. Really. Maybe you can convince the pup to give me one more chance, huh? Thanks for the review and making me smile!
hisielome
· 31 March 2004
· Chapter 13: Before the Dawn
Wow! I have just finished reading the 13 chapters. Well done. Great flow and character development. By the way, I guess some elves just don't care about the kinslayings. I liked the different points of view. Please continue.
Author's reply
All 13 chapters at once? Good grief! It's actually novel-length at this point, so it must have taken you awhile. I'm so glad you found the story and enjoyed it so far. I've been working (SLOWLY) on the next chapter and should have it up in the next couple of weeks. Thanks for your review!
fael bain
· 29 March 2004
· Chapter 13: Before the Dawn
Thought I'll leave some encouragement on this site as well..as always, can't wait for the next one, although I'm a bit nervous about the whole Elves being bad thing! ;)
Author's reply
Thank you, my dear, for the encouragement. I can certainly use it! Was too busy over the past months to write, but just recently started back up again. I've written the explanation for the 'bad elves,' and hope you'll think that it fits. Thanks again for the encouraging words!
Arquen
· 25 March 2004
· Chapter 13: Before the Dawn
Yes! A new chapter! Really enjoyed this one. Please don't leaving us all hanging on the cliff for too long...our fingers will get too tired! I was expecting a bit of a stronger response from Elrond when Elladan attacked his relationship with Elros, but I really did feel for Elladan.
Author's reply
Okay, I've been terrible about doing anything with fan fiction recently, writing, reviewing, or answering other's reviews. I'm really sorry. Anyway, I hope you're not still on that cliff. I imagine after awhile you just sighed in disgust at having to wait, pulled yourself up over the edge, and walked away. I've been working on the next chapter off and on. Finished the first half almost immediately and then had a long spell when I didn't even have time to think about it. Just recently started writing again. Not sure when I'll get it up, but I will eventually. Thanks for reviewing!
daw the minstrel
· 22 March 2004
· Chapter 13: Before the Dawn
It took me a while to pick up the thread of this story again, but then I was so glad I did! You write Elladan's pain and anguish so well. I can really see him blaming himself and punishing himself by shutting himself off from all comfort. Elrond is such a good father. The ending of this chapter left me really worried for Elrohir.
Author's reply
I'm so glad I didn't lose you as a reader after taking too long to update. You are so awesome at updating quickly and here I took over two months for this last chapter...ugh! Elladan was the focus of this last chapter but I really had a hard time figuring him out. Originally, I wrote him absolutely furious with his father and Galadriel and generally being upset with everyone, but I had to change the chapter since it didn't feel right. I think he'd be more likely to see all the things he could have done to prevent the tragedy and blame himself instead...poor fellow. Elrohir is in a bit of a pickle at the moment and will need to be strong to get himself out of it, but I have a feeling that he'll manage quite nicely!
Nilmandra
· 22 March 2004
· Chapter 13: Before the Dawn
The treachery lies within Imladris? Oh, that does cast a rather evil light on things. That means, perhaps, that Elrohir is hidden nearby, or worse, has been returned to the same place he was found before. I hope someone has thought to look there.
Elladan's grief and anger are tangible, and it is sad to think that he would fade without his twin. My heart is aching for poor Elrohir right now.
Author's reply
Hmmm...I don't think anyone knows where Elrohir was found before. At least, I don't believe I've said they did. Dwarves found him and sold him to humans and neither of those groups would have told the elves. But yes, the treachery does lie within Imladris itself--the ultimate betrayal. I'm trying to imagine just what Elrond is going to think and do once he realizes that all this heartache was caused by some of his own people. I would NOT want to be one of those bad elves when he finds out! I feel sorry for Elrohir, too, right now, but actually feel worse for Elladan at the moment. I suppose that's because I had to try to get into Elladan's head for this last chapter, but the next one will focus on Elrohir. Thanks for the review!
Lossenchristal
· 22 March 2004
· Chapter 13: Before the Dawn
AHHHHHHH!!!!!!!! I finally find an update on one of my favorite stories, I eagerly read it, and then I am left hanging off this cliff! *Tries to grip a little tighter with her fingers* Well, at least the ending suggests that Elrohir did not totally run away by himself, but is being held captive! That is better in my mind. Poor Elladan though.. don't torture him too much longer!:)I'm glad he sort of made up with Elrond before he left.:) All in all, another great chapter! I hope the next one will be soon...???:)
Thanks!
Namarië,
~Lossenchristal
Author's reply
Uhm...didn't start out to write two cliffies in a row. Usually I alternate happy and sad endings, but it just didn't fit in with the flow of the story. Poor Elladan has to linger on feeling guilty and sad for at least one more chapter (he won't be in the next one at all...he's out working the treaty with the dwarves). I'll be nice to him in the end, though...really! Thanks for the review and I will really try to get the next chapter up soon (or at least sooner than I did the last one!)
paranoidangel
· 22 March 2004
· Chapter 13: Before the Dawn
Oh poor Elrond, I think he needs a hug as well. I can't help feeling something important is going to happen now, but I'm very much enjoying the angst.
Author's reply
Well, I made sure he got a hug there at the end--Elladan ran back to give his dad a quick hug before he left. Well, something important will be happening soon...basically wrapping up the whole story and answering all the lingering questions. I'm glad you're enjoying the story and thanks for the review!
Jay of Lasgalen
· 22 March 2004
· Chapter 13: Before the Dawn
An update at last! But poor Elladan, how he must be suffering to have lost his twin again - and for good this time, he thinks.
I was wondering at the end of the last chapter if it was really Elrohir who had hit him, or one of the elves who had come from Lothlorien who'd been one of the original attackers. Then I thought it must have been Elrohir after all, and how far gone he must be to attack his brother. Now I'm wondering again - and also whether Elrohir's distrust of horses is not about the horses themselves, but the grooms instead! What are they up to, why do they have a grudge, and *how* could they do this to someone who is supposed to be a friend?
Please don't leave the next update so long!
Jay
Author's reply
Hey Jay! Yeah...an update at last. Shame on me for taking so long! Elladan is having a bad time of it right now. He wants to be strong, but is feeling terribly lost himself. To lose Elrohir is bad enough, but to feel that it is his fault makes it even worse. Poor fellow...and they won't even be reunited in the next chapter...I feel so mean. Kalen and company do have a lot to answer for. They feel justified in their actions, but have really crossed the line. I have a feeling Elrond is going to be looking for a new head groom fairly soon!
Iawen Londea
· 22 March 2004
· Chapter 13: Before the Dawn
I loved this chapter!! So many strong emotions. I really liked what you did with Elladan in this chapter, it was very interesting and very different from how he reacted to Elrohir's first disappearance.
Secondly, I also really liked when Arwen was crying. It is heart-breaking for her. Even though she doesn't share the bond the twins have, she does have a bond with each of them. Elrohir is her brother and she didn't even get to see him! That must be really hard for her to have to take.
When will Aragorn reappear in the story? I know you didn't want to write Arwen-meets-Aragorn, so it will be when Arwen leaves... but with Elrohir missing will she just leave her father and brother so soon?
And that ending!! DRIVING ME NUTS! LOL. Don't leave me hanging too long mellon nin.
Author's reply
My dear friend...I'm so pleased you liked the last chapter! I wrestled with the darn thing for so long that I was very unsure of how it would be received. Yeah...Elladan is having a hard time dealing with Elrohir's loss this time. Last time he was determined to find him, while this time he doesn't think it will make a difference even if he did. Hmmm...I guess he's going to have a lot to deal with when Elrohir does come back and is okay--he'll have another bout of guilt, I suppose, because he didn't do everything he could to find him earlier. Oh well. I will give Arwen a better role in the next chapter--at least one touching scene with Elrohir since she hasn't even spoken to him in years. Uhm...no more Estel for this story--sorry. I couldn't send Arwen away when her family was in the midst of turmoil (didn't seem like something she'd do), so I can't bring Estel back. It would make a nice, short sequel, though, for me to send the twins out to meet him. I won't promise that the wait won't be long again (I NEVER thought it would take so long to write the last chapter), but I do promise to TRY to be quicker this time! Thanks for the review(s)...I do so love hearing from you (but I don't want you to feel obligated to write on both sites just because I said how much I enjoy the reviews!) :)
Liz
· 22 March 2004
· Chapter 13: Before the Dawn
Words...not...forming...
Breathing...
Ok, this story...so good...I've never reviewed before, but you updated and I read this chapter and now my hands are shaking and I feel as though someone just threw me against the wall and knocked the wind out of me. Oh my God!!!! I am so completely emotionally attached to the way you wrote the twins. I need a happy ending now!!!! Truama...seriously with the shaking hands and the not being able to breathe.
Ok, I will be patient and wait but PLEASE do not not finish this story. PLEASE don't just get bored and stop writing. I beg you. This is SOOOO good!!!
Author's reply
My goodness! I like to think I can touch readers with my story, but don't want to leave them feeling ill! (Does it help to know that I would never end a story on anything but a happy note?) Seriously, I am glad you like the way the twins are portrayed. I think they're interesting characters who were horribly underdeveloped in the books (and of course, ignored in the movies!)--then again, that leaves a lot of room for interpretation in fan fiction, which I suppose is a good thing! Thanks for the review...and I PROMISE I will not get bored with the story (only two chapters left) and stop before it's finished!
Oh where, oh where, is the next chapter mellon nin?? *longs for it*
Author's reply
Oh my friend...I REALLY haven't forgotten my story. I've been working on it ever since I posted the last chapter...honest! It's just been horribly uncooperative. Grumpy muses left me rewriting it over and over. It's coming along now, but the demon of RL intrudes into my writing time nearly every time I sit down to write. I'll keep plugging away, though, and I suppose at some point it will be finished. :( Sorry it's taking so long...
ana
· 15 March 2004
· Chapter 12: Heartbreaking Setback
Well, I have the feeling my review was a little selfish and not very much supportive, so here I go!!
I could bet you would be kind of lost in a maze....I did not like your last chapter very much.. I had thought of something a bit brighter, maybe a drinking contest with Daerada.. or seeing Daernaneth and remembering her.. No joking, I find you´ve pushed all of them a bit too far off their limits.. I really did not like it very much seeing the LAdy kind of"witch" outdone by her own powers... or mighty Elrond simply wondering " how everything could have gone so badly in so little time.." Yo do better, my friend... but now i am sure yo will surprise all of us with a brilliant disentangling of this mess... May I suggest Mithrandir´s guest appearance with his fabled "mind reading " powers ?
Anyway, enough of this, I did like your style, the tenderness and gentleness and the insightful telling of feelings. Chapter... "Twins reunited" I found most moving, especially the hair washing.. very tender, in truth, as well as the elder´s twins feelings of rage and impotence. Ada is another of my favourite chapters... I think you managed to convey the tendernesss, the longing and the actual feeling between a father and a son, or viceversa, it is the same... A pity this somehow disappears and passes unnoticed when elrohir recovers from his accident and no clear reconciliatin with his father ( apparently someone so important for his mind well being, as at first we thought) is shown.
Anyway, this is my second ( let us say first, the other doesn t count as one) review, and I am not at all apt at writing or reading much of this stuff, so I really wanted to thank you for the effort and tell you that there are people out here waiting for your story
BEst wishes, good luck, and thanks again for your time....
Ana
Author's reply
Well Ana, your review left me a bit unsure of how to reply. Hmmm...lost in a maze? Didn't understand that one at all...sorry (in truth, I've always been rather good at puzzles of any kind...oh well). Anyway, I do understand that not everyone would like that last chapter and I'm sorry you didn't enjoy it. I know that a lot of harsh things happened, but like I've said before, you can't have 'angst' without 'angst.' I actually prefer the 'feel good' kind of chapters myself, but don't think that they are as meaningful if the characters haven't gone through hard times first. I thought it was interesting that you picked out the hair washing scene especially. In truth, it was that scene that was the little plot bunny that started the whole story. And the interactions between Elrond and Elrohir did change after the intial euphoria of their reunion when the reality of his situation fully struck Elrohir, but don't worry...there will have to be another reunion at some point since I made Elrohir disappear again! Anyway, thanks for the review!
ValkrieCrow
· 14 March 2004
· Chapter 12: Heartbreaking Setback
NO!!!!! You CAN'T leave it there!!!! This story is so wonderfully written....compelling me to read it from start to finish as quickly as I could!
You HAVE GOT to update soon!!!
Or I'll...I'll....SICK MY DEMON PUPPY ON YOU!!
Demon Puppy: Growl
See???? SHE'S HUNGRY!!!
Author's reply
A demon puppy after me? Well...that's a new one! I guess I'd better get working then, huh? Actually, you don't need to send the little monster after me--I'm already working on the next chapter. It's been rather uncooperative, but it's coming along fairly well now. At any rate, I was so pleased to see that you liked the story and I'll REALLY try to get it out soon.
henadiel
· 14 March 2004
· Chapter 12: Heartbreaking Setback
I've really enjoyed this story and I hope you continue it. I'd like to know the motives of the dwarves that stole Ro' and how he finally is healed. Kudos!
Author's reply
Thanks for the review...I'm glad you like the story so far. I'm definitely continuing it. I never imagined it would take so long to get this next chapter out, but it's coming along (slowly, but surely). The answer on the dwarves will come in the chapter after the one I'm writing, but I can't imagine that it will take as long to write as this one has! Anyway, thanks again for the review!
Ana
· 9 March 2004
· Chapter 12: Heartbreaking Setback
PLease please please1! another damned lurker brought out to light but your amazing stoy... I promise a review if you just simply post another chapter..... please, I know all of us are very busy in real life but you can not go this far and leave it all...
Thanks anyway.
A real lurker
Author's reply
Hi Ana! Thanks for the review! It's quite a wonderful surprise to hear from folks when I'm being SO bad about updating. I haven't forgotten my little story...honest! And it isn't as if I haven't been working on it. I'm just having a real hard time writing the next chapter. I've written and rewritten it many times. I can't say when it will be done, but I'll try to get it out soon. (I'll hold you to that promised review, though!)
Sigh. This was such a wrenching chapter, and you have left poor Elrohir in that state for so long - couldn't you update soon, please, and let us all know if he is going to be all right?
Author's reply
I know, I know, and I'm sorry. I REALLY didn't mean to leave things hanging for so long. I'm working as hard as I can on the next chapter and have actually managed to write about half of it. Well, to be more specific, half of it that I'm not going to toss this time. I've rewritten the next chapter so many times that I'm thoroughly irritated with it! I CAN tell you now, though, that Elrohir will be okay in the end. I'm a 'happy ending' person, so you can rest assured that things will turn out alright eventually!
Elena Tiriel
· 4 February 2004
· Chapter 12: Heartbreaking Setback
Oh, FirstMate, this is just *excruciating*! For Elrohir to be fleeing - again! - is bad enough, but to strike out at his brother so violently is a terrible shock. Elladan and family need not only be frightened FOR Elrohir, they need to be frightened OF him, while at the same time trying to help him. And he is in good health physically (which he was not when Estel first freed him) so he can run far and fast and pose a serious danger by striking out in self-defense -- especially since his skill with weapons has returned... the only "good" thing is that he will be on foot, not fleeing on a horse.
We knew already that the amnesia-triggering event must have been traumatic, but the cruelty you described is horrific... and to find out it was Elves!
I'm not only very worried about Elrohir, but also Elladan -- this is the second time that allowing Elrond to override Elladan's instincts has allowed harm to come to his brother; that could destroy Elladan's trust in and love for his father forever. Although Elrond is usually my favorite Elf, in this story I sympathize with Elladan (and Elrohir) more.
(I just read back over this review, and edited it so that the phrase "terrible shock" no longer appear in *every* sentence, as it did originally...)
And you say that neither Arwen, Estel, nor Galadriel will save the day? Well, that pretty much leaves Glorfindel, the Dwarf lord, and the kitchen lady. Um, oh, yes, and the butler. Or maybe Asfaloth? Orcs?
Well, I have to say that I usually don't like really angst-inducing stories, because most of them are not well-written. Yours, however, grabbed me by the heartstrings from the first chapter, which is good (for you) and very bad (for me).
Sigh. Hope your Muse cooperates and lets you update soon...
- Barbara
Author's reply
You know, I always love it when a review makes me laugh! The kitchen lady? The butler?! Asfaloth? Yeah, I suppose it could be them...but it's not! (And that's all I'll say about that!) :) My little Muse finally came back a couple of days ago and I'm making progress at last. Honestly, I've thrown away more drafts of this chapter than all the rest of the story combined! Not sure why...RL is definitely distracting, but I don't think that's it. I believe it was my subconscious way of avoiding writing a second dark, depressing chapter in a row. I think my Muse finally agreed to come back after I thought about ending the chapter on a more hopeful note. Oh well...at least things are moving forward now. And you are right about this being hard on Elladan. In fact, I believe it is MUCH harder on him. The next chapter will focus a lot on his reaction, BTW, so you can see that it will be somewhat grim. Anyway, thanks for the lovely long review!
linzy
· 31 January 2004
· Chapter 12: Heartbreaking Setback
no you did not just leave it there!!!! i just red it all from the first chapter to last, and i had only intended on skimming the first one when browsing! that was really well written, trust me it takes a lot to keep my attention throughout a whole fic! i really hope you update soon i loved it and REALLY want you to update soon!!!!! please let me know when you next update!!!
*linzy*
Author's reply
I can't believe it's taken me this long to respond back--sorry. Usually I keep up with my story and responses SO much better. I know it's no excuse, but RL has been a BEAR recently! Anyway, I'm really amazed you would read the whole story all the way through. It's turned out to be rather long! I'm quite glad you like it, though. As far as an update goes...uhm...uh...well, I'm working on it. This next chapter is not cooperating very well, but I'm finally making some progress on it. Thanks for the review!
Lorwen
· 16 January 2004
· Chapter 12: Heartbreaking Setback
I can't believe they'd have to start all over again!
I can't believe Elrohir smashed Elladan!!!! Although, I do believe it...
Valar this story is FAR from over!
Lorwen
Author's reply
Well, they don't have to start completely over...I guess. After all, Elrohir isn't getting over being a slave. And he isn't months away from his home. BUT...yes, things are rather off-kilter at the moment. Actually, the story is winding down a bit and I only have a few chapters left (3). But, I typically write long chapters and there are a lot of things that need to be resolved, so I guess you're right that it's got a ways to go before it's over. Thanks for reviewing!
paranoidangel
· 15 January 2004
· Chapter 12: Heartbreaking Setback
Just as I thought it was all coming to a happy ending you give us more angst - excellent! Now I'm even more interested in finding out exactly what happened to Elrohir and why.
And I absolutely loved the argument between Elrond and Elladan at the beginning.
Author's reply
Ah...someone who enjoys angst! Wonderful! I (obviously) am not writing a fluffy, feel good story (although I sometimes do throw those feelings in and will most definitely end things on a happy note), but I'm glad you're enjoying the 'downs' as well as the 'ups.' And if you liked the argument between Elrond and Elladan in the last chapter, just wait until you see the one that's coming up. Elladan, if you remember, warned his father against what might happen to Elrohir, so he will be in a most foul mood!