Letter From Elladan by Jay of Lasgalen
pipinheart · 22 July 2005 · Chapter 2: Letter Received
This was very lovely...Good thing Elrond's childeren was with him or he might have been worried...A nice little story on the fear of death to come...
Author's reply
It would have been a horrible letter for Elrond to receive if he'd been alone, even though he knew by then that his sons were alive. It was far better to have them heard in the distance so that we all knew they were there.
Tinni · 7 June 2004 · Chapter 2: Letter Received
Nice fic. Very touching.
Author's reply
Thank you. I liked writing this sequel - so many people asked if Elrond ever received the letter!
LKK · 4 May 2004 · Chapter 2: Letter Received
If Elrond *had* to receive the letter, I'm glad he got it after knowing Elladan survived. I shudder to think how the elf-lord would have felt if he had received the letter without knowing the true fate of his son. Although I'm sure Elrond never questioned his son's love, it must be heart-warming to actually hear his son express it even under such dire circumstances. Very touching.
Author's reply
I wanted Elrond to read the letter when we *all* knew Elladan was so close by, and then to read it again with both of the twins there. I think Elladan expressed feelings in the letter he would never normally have shown anyone, except probably Elrohir.
Vi Janaway · 4 May 2004 · Chapter 2: Letter Received
I love how you portray the familial love between Elrond and his sons. And this is just the way a loving father would re act Much as I love Haldir, Elladan and Elrohir have taken up residence in my heart and imagination. Thank you
Author's reply
I became interested in the twins when I read about them rescuing their mother from the orcs, long ago. I find them fascinating to write about, as Tolkien said very little.
Kalima · 2 May 2004 · Chapter 2: Letter Received
Thank you, Jay of Lasgalen, for your sweet story. I found it very moving, and liked particularly the feeling of joy they all had of being in the garden together as Elrond receives the letter. Life is all the sweeter for almost having lost it.
Author's reply
I wanted to make sure that Elladan was nearby when Elrond received the letter, and that they talked it over together. I'm glad you liked it.
Elendiari22 · 2 May 2004 · Chapter 2: Letter Received
This is lovely! I'm glad that Elrond never had to actually recieve the letter. This is a very sweet and touching epilogue, thank you!
Author's reply
Thank you. For a story I never intended to write, it's had a great response!
Nilmandra · 2 May 2004 · Chapter 2: Letter Received
Jay, I am glad you decided to write this with Elrond receiving the letter *after* knowing his sons lived. It was very well done - more reflective than angsty.
Author's reply
I thought it was important to establish that Elladan was alive and well at the time. I've put Elrond through enough angst lately, and have already done the 'father thinks his son is dead' bit anyway.
Saber · 1 May 2004 · Chapter 2: Letter Received
Once again you've left me speechless. DANGIT I'd like to leave a decent reveiw for once! *harrumphs* In case you can't tell that's a compliment ;) lol. My friends would love to figure out a way to shut me up.
Author's reply
I'll take it as a compliment - thanks!
Yuna_Dax · 1 May 2004 · Chapter 2: Letter Received
I must admit I really enjoyed this 'break from action ' fic Jay. It is sometimes refreshing to focus simply on the emotional outcome of an event, and you have captured this perfectly! The angst of Elrond coming to terms with the sacrifice his sons were willing to make to keep Frodo from harms way was heart-wrenching and utterly realisitic. Brilliant work :)
Author's reply
I like angst as well as action. Poor Elrond, he may be nearly as far-seeing as Galadriel, but he didn't see the personal consequences of this battle.
Rose Sared · 1 May 2004 · Chapter 2: Letter Received
Awww, sniff sniff even more. What a delicious story and such a sensitive take on this families relationship, even more touching since they will need to be parted from each other so soon in elven time. I wonder what choice the twins made in the end? I hope they sailed with Legolas and Gimli. Lovely writing. Rose
Author's reply
Thank you, Rose. One day I will have to write about the twins' choice - that's yet another plot bunny to add to the collection under my desk!
Rose Sared · 1 May 2004 · Chapter 1: Letter From Elladan
sniff, awww, sniff.
daw the minstrel · 1 May 2004 · Chapter 2: Letter Received
I really liked this, Jay. It was emotionally powerful without being maudlin. I'm so glad you added it.
Author's reply
I'm glad you liked it. I thought it was important to have the three of them reading the letter together and talking about it.
Elendiari22 · 28 February 2004 · Chapter 1: Letter From Elladan
*Thud* Sheesh, Jay! I can't imagine ever having to write a letter like this, especially to my parents. It's so sad, and yet really beautiful, too. Thanks for sharing!
Author's reply
As I've said before, I think Elladan did not really expect to survive, and he knew that Imladris was doomed whatever happened. Thankfully, it never had to be sent. Jay
Lasse-Lanta · 28 February 2004 · Chapter 1: Letter From Elladan
Jay, This is just so perfect. I'll bet a thousand young men have written the same kind of letter home during war. The writing is wonderful, giving all the love Elladan has for his family, touching on the silent fears and showing us the incredible bravery of those who would face down evil. Really good job!
Author's reply
I think the emotions felt before battle have not changed for thousands of years. Rereading the chapter 'The Last Debate', I realised just how hopeless the battle must have seemed, and Gandalf's words made me think. 'There are names among us that are worth more than a thousand mail-clad knights apiece', - and I think the twins would be among them. Jay
kirienne · 28 February 2004 · Chapter 1: Letter From Elladan
Oh, Jay, This is wonderful! I can just see The Twins each in privacy from the other, penning such a letter to their Adar. It was so heart wrenching to read this wonderfuly moving piece.
Author's reply
I'll have to think about a letter from Elrohir - I was intending this to be a stand-alone piece! Jay
Nilmandra · 28 February 2004 · Chapter 1: Letter From Elladan
Thank goodness this never had to be sent, but oh, how true that all ends would end in some grief for the family of Elrond. Nicely written, Jay.
Author's reply
I think this must have been a very difficult time for the twins - expecting they could easily be killed, and that in any case thier home was doomed. Jay
shirebound · 28 February 2004 · Chapter 1: Letter From Elladan
That is just wonderful. What a beautifully worded letter! Did Elrohir also write one? (hint)
Author's reply
Why did you have to release that plot bunny? Now look what you've done! (Jay kicks bunnies back under the desk). I'll ask Elrohir about it. Jay
Nikara · 28 February 2004 · Chapter 1: Letter From Elladan
That was very sweet, and very sorrowful. I was re-reading the Council of Elrond today, and I noticed a few things. One of those was how, if the ring had been gained by Sauron, Mithrandir, Galadriel, and Elrond would have been utterly and completely doomed. It certainly adds to the things at stake during LotR. Great job!
Author's reply
Imladris was doomed in any case, but greater things were at stake than even that. It canot have been an easy time for any of the elves. Jay
Kitt of Lindon · 28 February 2004 · Chapter 1: Letter From Elladan
Powerful words. It is bittersweet when he points out the fact that Imladris will fade either way, and the other pros and cons of victory.
Author's reply
Elladan did not really expect to survive, and he knew that no matter what, Imladris was doomed. It must have seemed a high price to pay. Jay
Elvenesse · 28 February 2004 · Chapter 1: Letter From Elladan
That would not be a very nice letter for Elrond to receive, short but powerfully moving. I liked the way he sets out the fates of Imladris, either way there is so much to lose.
Author's reply
Thankfully, Elrond never *did* receive the letter - it was only to be sent if Elladan was killed. But no matter what, the elves lost. Jay
daw the minstrel · 28 February 2004 · Chapter 1: Letter From Elladan
Geez, Jay. You're really cranking out the good stuff this weekend. This was a wonderful short piece. The letter lays out the situation so starkly, but is also loving without being maudlin. It is very moving. How difficult it must have been for Elladan (if not for you) to write such a letter.
Author's reply
This letter, and the other chapter (Shadows) have been on my hard drive, in varying stages of completeness, for some time. It's just a question of *finishing* them! Rereading The Last Debate, even Gandalf did not really expect any of them would survive the battle - but they went anyway. Jay