fliewatuet
· 15 January 2004
· Chapter 12: Heartbreaking Setback
Of course, this story could not be finished yet. But the previous chapter was just so wonderful, so peaceful that I (like Elladan) wanted to believe that everything was just fine. How could I forget that Elrohir still had not regained his memory and still suffered from it? Unforgivable!
Speaking of Elrohir: No wonder he would not let anyone touch him nor agree to get near a horse after what he has been through. But being forced to relive it again ... And now he is convinced that every Elf out there is a traitor, including his brother. I wonder who will be able to make him see things the way they are now that he has successfully knocked his brother out? Arwen? Estel? Galadriel?
Author's reply
Yes, you definitely caught the 'whys' of Elrohir's refusal to let anyone touch him or to be near horses. His experiences, even though he couldn't remember them, had left him with a very bad feeling about certain things! (Understatement). As for who will make him see things correctly again...uh, I'm not going to tell yet! HOWEVER, since you ask, I will tell you that it won't be Arwen, Estel, or Galadriel. ;) Thanks so much for reviewing!
Jay of Lasgalen
· 14 January 2004
· Chapter 12: Heartbreaking Setback
Ai, poor Elrohir! And poor Elladan! I hoped Galadriel would be able to help, but she and Elrond did seem a little clumsy in their attempts. It's interesting to see a little of what Elrohir endured, but how terrifying for him to relive it - and that it was Elves that did it! That did come as a surprise.
I do hope that the next chapter will not be too long in coming, and that we will have some form of resolution - I hate to see the twins suffering like this. (I love angst, but I want a happy ending).
Jay
Author's reply
Next chapter may be awhile, I'm afraid. Not exactly sure why, but I just can't get into writing it. Oh well, it'll come eventually. I'm glad the 'bad elves' came as a surprise...a lot of reviews seem to say that. Frankly, I originally had written that scene with orcs as the bad guys, but this way left many more interesting options for resolving things (and it kept the story from being too predictable). Thanks for the reivew!
Lairewen
· 14 January 2004
· Chapter 12: Heartbreaking Setback
Oh, you are EVIL!!! The chapter heading was worrying enough, but I *Never* expected that! Elves! Of all things! Plus, I never liked Galadriel...
But you *Are* going to fix him - aren't you? Soon? Please?
*sigh*
You're killing me here...
Lairewen
Author's reply
Yikes! I don't exactly think of myself as 'evil,' more just someone who's trying to write a story that keeps folks interested. :) Don't worry, I'll fix things (eventually), although I confess it won't be in the next chaper. Hang in there...things will all work out in the end!
Nilmandra
· 13 January 2004
· Chapter 12: Heartbreaking Setback
Oh, dear, the title warned me and I should have heeded it. Poor Elrohir forced to relive what was done to him, and now perhaps thinks he has escaped his captors. Empowered perhpas, but not safe if he leaves Imladris as the elves who did this to him are still out there. What elves could show this kind of cruelty? So outside their nature, one thinks they must have been orcs to behave thus. I am devastated for poor Elrohir.
Author's reply
Yes, actually reliving those events definitely didn't do Elrohir any good. Galadriel REALLY messed things up! As for what kind of elves would do this? Well, I'm not one of those who believe that all elves are simply good in all ways and could never give in to darker thoughts/emotions. Somehow, in my view that would make them much less impressive, much more shallow, if they had no real choice but to be good. I prefer to think of them as being more multi-dimensional and complex creatures who have for the most part made the choice to be good, but from time to time events may cause them to stray. I'm sure others disagree, but that's my view. Anyway, thanks for the review!
Poor Elrohir!! *huggles the poor poor elf* I wonder what it will take to reach him now. Smell I the return of Estel? I know you said you wouldn't put Legolas into it, so I guess he won't be reaching Elrohir lol. =D More soon!
Author's reply
You really are a dear to review on both sites, you know!! Thanks! Yes, poor Elrohir. (You didn't REALLY think I was done with him yet, did you!?) I had to have one last unhappy scene in order to trigger several other things...coming in the next chapters. I can't say when they'll be up since I've had a dry spell ever since I posted that last chapter. I'll get it up as soon as I can though!
daw the minstrel
· 13 January 2004
· Chapter 12: Heartbreaking Setback
This was really hard to read. Elrohir's torture was so grim, and the heartbreak and despair of his family are so painful.
And who are these elves who would hurt him so?
Author's reply
Yeah, I tried to make Elrohir's memories of his capture reflect just how traumatizing it was (to explain how it could have led to his memory loss), but hopefully didn't drag it out too long. I'm assuming your question about who those elves were is rhetorical, since obviously I couldn't really say quite yet who those rotten elves were without giving away a big chunk of the plot. :) Uhm...I won't really say in the next chapter either, but will definitely explain everything in the following one. Thanks for the review!
tmelange
· 13 January 2004
· Chapter 12: Heartbreaking Setback
Great continuation! Kudos!
Author's reply
Thanks so much! I'm really glad you like the story so far!
Lossenchristal
· 13 January 2004
· Chapter 12: Heartbreaking Setback
All right, you warned me:) Now hurry up and make things better again!;)
Really, I never would have guessed this! Great job on constantly keeping us on our toes!
Namarië
Lossenchristal
Author's reply
Yes...I did try to give folks a 'heads up' with the title of the chapter--things did get rather unpleasant again. As for hurrying up...ugh! I haven't even started the next chapter. I know approximately what's supposed to happen, but the Muses have vanished this week. Well, maybe I'll just start writing and things will come to me. Anyway, thanks for the review and I'm glad to have surprised you!
tmelange
· 10 January 2004
· Chapter 11: Healing
This certainly is a magnificent story, with marvelously consistent characterizations and well thought out plotting. Kudos.
Author's reply
Thank you so much...I'm glad you're enjoying the story!
Lossenchristal
· 9 January 2004
· Chapter 11: Healing
Hi, I just wanted to tell you how much I appreciate your style of writing! I love this story, and the way you play it out is beautiful! I have twice now been so frustrated with Elrohir because he was not co-operating and then you put in a beautiful, heartwarming chapter that almost makes me cry! The first time was when Aragorn was bringing him home, and the beautiful part was when they found him after he ran away and Elladan finally got to hold him! That was so beautiful! I also loved the part where Elrond held him when he got home and Elrohir accepted him! Then, just recently I was getting frustrated again that Elrohir was not remembering anything, and he was being so disruptive at Rivendell. But then you put this last chapter! I loved it when Estel was telling Elrohir about when he first came to Rivendell, and then the archery!!!!!!!!! I was laughing so hard! That was perfect! I am resigned to the frustrating parts now, because I know that you will bring it out into something beautiful. Thanks so much for sharing your story!
Namarië!
Lossenchristal
Author's reply
Hi...I was so pleased to get your nice review. Well...I guess I'll be frustrating you once again, since I'm back to my old ways of giving the fellows a hard time! :) But you've got me pegged...I will have things turn out right in the end! Enjoy the next chapter!
Jay of Lasgalen
· 8 January 2004
· Chapter 11: Healing
I'm glad the story is up to date here! Does this mean that chapter 12 is close? I hope you'll post it on both sites now - at least I can review here!
I'm looking forward to when he meets his grandparents and Arwen - I hope he won't fall in love with her, as he won't know she's his sister! I do hope that Galadriel can solve his memory loss.
BTW, when did he find out about Celebrian?
Author's reply
Hi Jay! Yes, I'll definitely be posting the new chapters here as well (uh...as soon as I get them written). Chapter 12 is almost done, but the last couple of sections are being a bit troublesome and it's taking me longer than I thought it would. Sigh! Um, I never did say exactly how Elrohir found out about Celebrian, rather assuming that either his brothers or father told him at some point. He does mention her in the next chapter, though. And don't worry, he won't be falling for Arwen at all. (Although that would have been a funny scene to write--however, I'm sure he would have been mortified and I've already been so mean to him that I couldn't do that as well!) Thanks for the note!
Lorwen
· 8 January 2004
· Chapter 10: Where Do I Belong?
Hey!
Just wanted to tell you how much I enjoyed reading this fic!!
I find it such a shame that there were so few reviews! It's really extraordinary how you managed to describe everything in it! It captivated me, and I just had to read every single word of it before I could even manage to do anything else!
It already feels like it's a part of their life to me! Like that's really something that happened to them! Most fics just give me the idea that they just are fics, but this feels more like it really is part of their life, as if Tolkien himself wrote it! The way you described everything, like the look on their faces, the feelings they have, the things they think,... Just wonderfull!
I almost wanted to write my story around this one, thinking it was similar to the fact that Celebrian was tormented by orcs, and real. :p
Okies, I'm babbeling here myself now :p
Just this: excellent work! I hope their will be more soon?! And I DO hope you get more reviews then what's displayed on the site here!
*Huggles*
Lorwen
Author's reply
Hi! Thank you so much for the nice review! This site is actually a second posting of my story (first posted on ff.net) and I do have more reviews on that site, so I tell myself that folks aren't reviewing much here since many of them probably already saw it the first time it was posted. I suppose it could be that folks don't like it, either, but I prefer to think it's the first reason! ;) Of course, I've just posted chapter 11 here, so now I'm caught up with ff.net and from now on, will post the new chapters in both places at once. Maybe folks will review here, instead. Oh well. At any rate, I was so very pleased with your review. I'm so glad the story feels 'right' to you and if you want to use some of the thoughts in a story of your own, feel free...I'd be flattered!
eokat
· 4 January 2004
· Chapter 9: Early Days at Home
Have just read this for the first time, even though I saw it printed on ff I never read it. Now I wish I had read it earlier, it is a lovely tale and getting more poignant by the minute, I loved the reunion between father and son.
Author's reply
Well, welcome! I'm so glad you took a chance on the story and tried it after all. I've done the same thing before...not at all interested in a story based on the summary and later found I liked a particular story. I obviously need to work harder on writing intriguing summaries! :) Thanks for the review!
Iawen Londea
· 4 January 2004
· Chapter 9: Early Days at Home
Ah, another beautiful chapter in this beautiful fic by FirstMate. *sighs contentedly* =D It's late right now so my brain is starting to shut down, but I will say that I love how you wrote Elrohir's re-entry into Imladris, it was very realistic and very well written. I feel bad for Aragorn, although I wonder, shouldn't he have been at least slightly comforted at the way Elrohir reacted to Glorfindel? LOL. Anywayz maybe I'll just go reread the last chapter you posted at ff.net so I won't feel bad for Aragorn anymore. Can't wait to see how Elrohir reacts to Arwen, Celeborn, and Galadriel. =D
Author's reply
You're right! I should have had Aragorn be at least a little pleased that Elrohir reacted badly to Glorfindel. Oops...didn't catch that. :) I'm working hard on the next chapter right now and have Elrohir's reaction to one of the three already written. I hope to have it finished and posted by the end of the week, but we'll see how things go! Anyhow, thank you for the review! I'm always so pleased to see a notice pop up in my box!
fael bain
· 3 January 2004
· Chapter 9: Early Days at Home
Just to leave a little bit of encouragement here, hope to see an update pretty soon!
xx
Jaina
Author's reply
Thank you so much for the encouragement...it's always so welcome! I'm working on that update...really I am. I hope to have it up by the end of the week assuming that I don't get sidetracked by too many other things.
Arquen
· 1 January 2004
· Chapter 8: Ada
*Sniff*
Elrohir hugging Elrond! How sweet! I actually had tears in my eyes reading the last part! So what happens next? Can't wait to find out!
Author's reply
Here you go...I'm posting another chapter tonight. The "Ada" chapter has been one of my favorites, both to write and overall, so I really appreciate hearing that others liked it as well. Enjoy the next chapter and thanks for the review!
Orophins Dottir
· 31 December 2003
· Chapter 8: Ada
Ah, yes, just as I feared! I am a veritable mush puddle. Where is my lace handkerchief?
Wonderful job at describing the whole range of ambivalence and conflicting emotions that Elrond faced. I had somewhat feared a too "simplistic" reunion, but you have neatly avoided that pitfall. Excellent.
So, when might you be updating this fine story? Do you feel the pressure of your fans' demands? Good. We have achieved our goal!
Humble Scribe to his Majesty Thranduil
Author's reply
Ah my friend, a new chapter is being posted tonight. And actually, I do feel pressure to write, but it is a good pressure. I enjoy finally hitting that 'send' button and then eagerly waiting to see what folks think. I'm really glad you liked the reunion scene with Elrond. I had originally intended it to be much shorter, but like you mentioned, it needed more than a simple, 'yep, they're back together now.' Thanks so much for the review and kind words!
Orophins Dottir
· 31 December 2003
· Chapter 7: Returning Home
Oh, oh! I feel myself turning into a puddle of mush already and Adar hasn't even got his arms around the kid yet!
Nice job on making us feel Elrond's sadness.
Jay of Lasgalen
· 31 December 2003
· Chapter 8: Ada
One can never have too many reviews, so although I reviewed this when you posted it on ff.net, I'll review again. This is one of my favourite of your chapters (the best is the most recent one!), and I love the father/son reunion.
I loved Elrond's despair as he wondered what had happened to his 'beautiful son', and his delight as he finally gave in to instinct and held Elrohir. Great work.
Jay
Author's reply
I absolutely agree...there is no such thing as too many reviews, so I thank you for this one! Speaking of reviews, you liked the new chapter? Sniff...that's the only one since you started reviewing that you hadn't reviewed, so I did wonder if you liked it. (Okay, I'm pathetically insecure about my writing and need feedback, I admit it!) Anyway, thanks for this review!
Iawen Londea
· 28 December 2003
· Chapter 7: Returning Home
I adore this chapter!! Finally we see a glimpse of Elrond's feelings during the time Elrohir was missing, which as you know I'd wanted to see FOREVER! LOL. I also really enjoyed ELrohir saving Aragorn, wahoo!! Actually I enjoyed the entire chapter, the entire fic! I've read chapter eight so many times , lol, but you know I will read it again once you post it here. =D Can't wait.
Oh, dare I hope for a new chapter before New Years? Probably not, dont want to rush you lol.
Author's reply
Hi my friend! Thanks for your review! I really do appreciate feedback, even on this reposted version of the story. If I do nothing else on the computer every day, I check my e-mail to see if anyone has reviewed, so your notes are very much appreciated! Anyway, yes, it was fun to delve into Elrond's feelings in that last chapter and even more so in chapter 8, which I'm posting here tonight. Uh...sorry but there is no way I'll get chapter 12 out before New Years. I've barely started writing it at all. My family would positively disown me if I closeted myself away and wrote during Christmas break! LOL! I do have plenty of thoughts running around in my head, though, and I know the direction I want to take it. Of course, sometimes the chapters have a way of redirecting themselves like chapter 8 did...hmmm. Oh well, I'll deal with that if I have to!
Arquen
· 23 December 2003
· Chapter 5: Unexpected Difficulties
Hello again! The mistakes I mentioned in my last review are just very minor ones, where either the a couple of words are mixed up, or else there seems to be a word missing. This chapter has an example:
"Even as he’d grown up, he had loved being around horses had become renowned for his instinctive connection with even the most difficult of animals."
I'm not sure if you meant to put the word 'and' in there, but it just caught my eye. Didn't mean for my comment to come across as some kind of put down. It was just a comment.
Enjoyed this chapter throughly. I was feeling as frustrated with Elrohir as Elladan and Estel are! Look forward to more.
Author's reply
Oh! Typos? Oops...I do proof my story, but it is so hard to catch everything. I thought you meant that I had messed up something to do with Tolkein-lore. And I didn't take it as a put-down...I really do appreciate it when readers (who obviously have a LOT more knowledge of such things than I do) tell me how to improve my story. Anyway, I do appreciate the review very much!
Miriel
· 22 December 2003
· Chapter 5: Unexpected Difficulties
I love this story. I'm an Elrohir-fan, so I pretty much read anything about them that I can get my hands on.
I loved this story so much that I went over to Ff.n and read the rest of it there. :)
This is excellent. :)
Hm...other than gushing over how wonderful this story is, I'm at a loss for things to say. So, cheers!
Author's reply
Hey, I love gushing! Makes all the time it takes to write this story worthwhile! On a serious note, I am glad you found the story and like it. I, too, enjoy stories of the twins and decided several months ago to try my hand at writing one as well. It's been an interesting and rewarding experience so far, made so by the lovely people who choose to review. Thanks!
Arquen
· 20 December 2003
· Chapter 4: Twins Reunited
I am really enjoying this story! You're doing a great job with it, and I look forward to more. There are only a few very minor mistakes that are easily overlooked, but in no way do they take away from the story. Thanks!
Author's reply
I'm pleased that you're enjoying the story. A little comment of my own, though, if I may. When you mention that there are mistakes, it is much more helpful if you actually say what they are. I make absolutely no claims to be a Tolkein expert and in fact this is the first story I've written in...well, forever. So I take helpful, constructive comments quite well and in fact have made changes to this posting of the story based on previous comments from other reviewers. At any rate, I do appreciate the review and hope you like the rest of the story.
Well, this is a brand new story to me. The other site aggravates me so much trying to find anything, that I avoid it.
This is an interesting premise to a story. For once the twins are being treated without the "jolly twins wrecking havoc on elvendom" motif. I get so tired of that. This is serious stuff for the pair who had a tragic life and spent most of it avenging their mother, not setting off stink bombs.
Loved when you had Elladan go off to deal with his pain alone and then come back to his younger brothers once again strong.
Look forward to an update.
Author's reply
Hey a new reader! That's great! I was hoping that by posting on this site I'd reach some new folks. No...not a lot of pranks in this one. None, in fact. I like to think that the twins have a playful side, but you won't really see that in this story. I want to focus more on the family's reactions to a difficult situation. Anyway, thanks so much for the review and welcome!
I loved this chapter SO much!! I am dying of anxiety waiting for the next new chapter, lol. I really hope it's up soon. LOL. I want to see how you deal with Elrohir and Aragorn, and also the mess between Elrohir and Elladan, and Elrohir and Elrond. UPDATE UPDATE UPDATE, lmao.
Author's reply
I am TRYING to get the next chapter written...really I am! I have the first section, one of the middle sections, and the end written. Now I just have to fill in two other scenes as well as all of the pieces that link them together. Doesn't sound like much, but I really do try to write a story that flows. Don't always succeed as much as I'd like, but I do want to write a good story for you all. Thanks for reviewing and feeding the little spider that lives in my 'inbox!' It gets hungry without reviews!