Reviews (113)

Lianna · 23 January 2005 · Chapter 9: The Race

"I hope my father never has any desire for grand-elflings – I fear I may be permanently damaged!" Oh, dear! I hope this is not the reason why Legolas is still single at the time of the War of the Ring! The fangirls would never forgive you.

Nilmandra · 23 January 2005 · Chapter 9: The Race

Oh, Elrohir has irritability down pat in the begining; recovery is so hard, when you want to do things and find you cannot. You showed it well. My favortie part of the race, though, was knowing that Celebrian bet too!

daw the minstrel · 23 January 2005 · Chapter 9: The Race

Well done, Jay! I wondered for a while which one of your well-loved characters you were going to let win. It must have been a hard decision! But I guess sick Elrohir needed his brother's and horse's victory. I laughed at Legolas's discomfort with the saddle and the trees helping him. And elven love of wagering. A good read.

Nilmandra · 25 December 2004 · Chapter 8: Release

I like how easily Taniquel managed to get Elrohir back inside and supported him in the process. Some people have a real gift that way. Looking forward to the race - and I'm sure the wood elves will make sure Elrohir is there to see it, even if they have to bundle him up like an elfling and prop him upright. A place of honor, even!

Lianna · 20 December 2004 · Chapter 8: Release

Don't worry about not finishing the story. Your readers are in no hurry. It's interesting to see the characters and the way they interact, especially now, when we're no longer worried about Elrohir's survival. I love the line "Elrohir opened his eyes – when had he closed them?" Haven't we all had experiences like that, where we've dozed off or almost dozed off without realizing it? Poor Elrohir. He won't really feel normal emotionally until he feels normal physically.

Bodkin · 20 December 2004 · Chapter 8: Release

It must have been a real boost for Elrohir to be the one sitting on the edge of the bath while Elladan soaked away his aches and pains. For the first time in days, he wasn't the one in need of care. That relationship between Taniquel and Elrohir is developing most interestingly! She is great at caring for him subtly, so that he barely realises she is supporting him. (And what's to object to, anyway, in being in contact with his favourite warrior!) She must have been ecstatic to see him looking so well, when she was expecting to hear of his death. So Elrohir's horse isn't keen to carry Elladan. Why not? Is he a one person horse, like some dogs? Or is Elladan less clever in the saddle? The race sounds as if it will be interesting - but if you feel like taking the story further, please feel free. I do like Calmacil - he is a very skilled healer. Quite good at dodging questions, too. (Poor Thalion - Elrohir will have to calm him down. Wouldn't want to leave him shaking!)

French Pony · 19 December 2004 · Chapter 8: Release

Well, if they're bickering about horses now, that's probably a sign that things are going to be okay. It must be awfully disconcerting for Elrohir to hear these little bits and pieces of news about what happened while he was sick and just how close he came to dying.

Dot · 19 December 2004 · Chapter 8: Release

Oh, I wouldn’t worry about not getting to the race. Your pacing here is absolutely perfect and I really appreciated the chance to see the little details involved in Elrohir’s first day of trying to reclaim a sense of normality. It seems that now that Elladan has been able to release some of his anxiety he can tune in to his surroundings a bit more. Still, it must be such a relief to finally be able to escape that little room and develop his own routine again rather than live by others’. I loved the bath scene, with the two brothers plotting together. There’s such a sense that the discussing back and forth, the teasing was something they’ve always done and it’s so lovely to see it again. And that definitely sounds like the best plan for the race! Ouch. I had forgotten that Elrohir didn’t know what happened to Nólimon. That must be hard, especially because Elrohir knows exactly the agony in which he died. Taniquel! I was wondering about her! Such a sad image, though, of her and Elladan crying so hopelessly together. At least her presence should do Elrohir some good. It sounds as though he’ll be fairly prone to moments of brooding for a while yet as he readjusts. Their room sounds wonderfully cosy. Tionel seems to know how to make people comfortable. Poor old Lanatus was just in the wrong job. I’m quite glad he appears to have found one that he’s a lot more suited to! I really, really like Calmacil. I like the way he explained away the bruises and he’s so great with Elrohir. He’s been through a lot with all this as well and there must be some mixed emotions for him to see this patient leave the infirmary. I was so glad that Elrohir thanked him for not just caring for him but for his brother too. That was a lovely moment. I love the way Elrohir responds immediately to the air and the light. But at the same time you keep it realistic by letting his weariness and general sense of not being completely well come across clearly. At this stage it would be all too easy to over-do things but at least he has Elladan, his parents and now Taniquel to ensure he behaves! Taniquel is so good, letting him feel he is helping but still ensuring he has the lightest thing to carry and linking his arm in such a friendly way that will still offer him the support he’ll need in his exhaustion. Very well done. I really enjoyed this chapter. I think what I liked most was the attention to the little details that you always do so well and the way you connect it to your other stories so that the places and characters become much more real. I’m looking forward to seeing whether Imladris or Lasgalen will be victorious in the race! :-)

daw the minstrel · 19 December 2004 · Chapter 8: Release

I for one am glad there's still another chapter. As I was reading this, I was thinking about how nice the details are. There's such a sense of realism here, as if I'm seeing a real pair of brothers move out of the infirmary and try to pick their normal lives up again. You're patient enough to give us enough (and thus haven't finished the story yet) but not too much so that we grow tired of it. Just an all around nice job, Jay.

Nilmandra · 5 December 2004 · Chapter 7: Challenges

Sorry this is so late....I've been working doubletime lately. Recovering from an illness is hard - and the balance between hovering and giving steps of independence is hard to reach. Elrohir still has a ways to go, but he did make it. And Elrond and Celebrian got to ride Eagle Airlines! How cool is that?

LKK · 30 November 2004 · Chapter 7: Challenges

phew! I think I was holding my breath throughout all the chapters I needed to catch up on. Thank goodness Elrohir is on the way to recovery. Although knowing you, he just might have a relapse! Like Elrohir, I hadn't thought about the implications of refusing Namo's offer. Elrohir's imagining life as a Houseless One ... shudders ... truly a terrifying fate! Elrohir's decision seemed so simple and right at the time. But if Elladan had not been able to save his brother's body, how terribly wrong Elrohir's choice would have been. Elrohir's bathing experience bothered me a bit. The strength required to bathe himself seemed to come too quickly in his recovery progress. And I could not imagine any healer allowing a patient to bathe privately on the patient's second or third day of getting out of bed. Bathing is one of the most exhausting and strenous activities a sick person can undertake. It can be a dangerous activity, as well, if undertaken too soon. The possibility of passing out is very real. But then I realized I hadn't factored in elven healing times. Since elves heal faster than humans, it could be possible for an elf patient to bathe himself so soon after waking up. But still, I'm glad you had Elrond scold him! Elrohir should not have dismissed his healer like that. He really could have passed out and drowned. I hope that Elrohir is well and truly on the way to full recovery and that you don't turn into evil!author by giving him a relapse. But knowing you .... ;) Good story, Jay. I'm glad I finally got a chance to catch back up with it! LKK

Rhapsody · 29 November 2004 · Chapter 5: Hope Remains

I love Celebrían here. I just love her. She is so... well written, exactly how I imagined her. May I quote? “But nothing! What would you have done in that situation?” Celebrían stared at him searchingly, for a moment fully her mother’s daughter. nder that gaze, Elladan answered with complete honesty and without hesitation – he could do nothing else. At this moment she came very alive to me. I don't see that many stories that she features in, but here I just got the chills. And yay! Elrohir awoke. Elladan felt a weight leaving his shoulders with this part: “Tired?” Elladan repeated incredulously. “You have been asleep for the last few days, little brother – how can you be tired?” He could not control his smile, and grinned at Elrohir. What I like particulary about this chapter is how the family deals with it, Elrohir (although not awake) included. Not to mushy, a very perfect balance and feel.

Rhapsody · 29 November 2004 · Chapter 4: Unexpected Arrivals

Elladan could hear soft sounds of everyday life drifting in from the infirmary. Here in the small, windowless room, lit only by a single lamp and a small fire, it was impossible to keep track of the time, and he had no idea if it was morning, noon or night, but outside life continued regardless. What a start... this description brought be back to an episode of Buffy called the Body. The main character just discovered her mother has died and everythinhg is quiet... untill you hear the sounds outside of normal life because she left the front door open. The shock Elladan has been going through are very well described. There is nothing he can do but wait... but then... "He stared blankly as first his mother, then his father came in, escorted by one of Calmacil’s apprentice healers. For an instant he wondered if the exhaustion and worry were playing tricks with his mind. How could they be here so quickly?" I am so glad that they came! Especially Celebrían.

Rhapsody · 29 November 2004 · Chapter 3: The Gates of Mandos

Wow... it has been a while since I read chapter 1 and 2, but this one is very impressive. Elladan's despair: accepting it and yet not. At first he seems to be able to let go of his brother and then he just cannot. Elrohir is his mirror, his other half. What would his life be like without him.. Well done. I could not stop my tears when Namo said: Elrohir looked up at Námo again, and slowly lowered his hand. “I cannot,” he said regretfully. “I cannot join you yet. There are those who love me – I cannot abandon them.” Námo’s thought fluttered all around him again. “Families survive even this loss, little one.” Yes families can survive it, but at what cost. No I am glad Elrohir in the end rather endured pain then being with Namo. A wonderful chapter again. Thank you.

pipinheart · 27 November 2004 · Chapter 7: Challenges

Really good... This is really good... He is getting better and is regaining his strenghth,but his twinn won't be satisfied until he is back to where he was. Soon,he will be there,but still has a way to go... Keep up the good work...Update soon...

Creashuns · 27 November 2004 · Chapter 7: Challenges

Wonderful story! This last chapter is to true! No matter how old a child is they will Always be their Parents babies, er - elflings. Creashuns

DeepBlueSomething · 25 November 2004 · Chapter 7: Challenges

This was a really sweet chapter. I'm glad Elrond set both the twins straight on the fact that they need to be more considerate of eachother's feelings in this situation. I thought it was really cute when Elrond helped Elrohir wash his hair. There were also some funny parts to this chapter. The funniest by far was the idea of Elladan's bruised backside. It was almost as funny when Elrohir scared that healer away with his glare (LOL!). I can't wait to see how this race between Legolas and Elladan turns out. Their argument was even funnier when Elrond and Thranduil joined in. I have one question before I sign out. Where is Taniquel? Is she out on patrol maybe? Will she be coming by to visit Elrohir? Anyway, this was a great chapter. I really enjoyed it, and I look forward to the next one.

Dot · 25 November 2004 · Chapter 7: Challenges

Ah, yay! A new chapter and Elrohir is finally showing real improvement. Although, I think he’s rapidly reaching the point where he is well enough to want to do things for himself but not yet well enough to actually do them, which could lead to much frustration… It can’t be easy to deal with the fact that death had so recently seemed such a welcome idea to him but even worse to think about how close he came to becoming caught between two worlds. And ‘alone’ must not be something he’s ever had to contemplate before. I think I’d have just done the same as he decides to do and push these thoughts to the back of my mind. At least he can be assured beyond a doubt of the great love his family have for him. Mmm, a bath. There’s nothing like it after being a long time in bed. I had to laugh at the eager young apprentice volunteering to help and being glared at for his trouble! “There were bruises too, on his arms and across his chest. How had he sustained those?” *cringe* I’d forgotten about that. Still, I think he’d forgive Elladan, and hopefully Elladan can forgive himself. I loved the idea of Elrond helping his son to wash his hair. It was a lovely moment of intimacy for the two of them. I think Elrohir needed someone to guide him to see for himself the reason behind Elladan’s “hovering”. I guess realising exactly what his family went through is a little scary for him. And of course Elrond also points out to Elladan that his twin needs some of his independence back. I thought you really did a great job of showing the little ways in which they’re both still struggling as Elrohir recovers – Elrohir needs more help than he wants while Elladan wants to give more help than he should. They’ll sort it out but I wouldn’t be surprised if there were a few more arguments along the way! I was so glad Elladan did go riding with Legolas and was able to have a little respite from the sick-room. Even though it sounds like he too could do with a hot bath to ease his aching behind – ouch! Thranduil seems to have joined in the general effort to lighten the atmosphere – it was fun to watch him tease his son! It sounds like it could be a while before Elrohir will be on a horse if he’s likely to have spells of dizziness so perhaps Legolas could take his horse and “poor Calegdal” will be saved the discomfort?!! There was such a relaxed ending to the chapter too, with the twins just chatting as normal and then settling down to sleep together without really questioning whether it was necessary. At least Elrohir can look forward to leaving that little room soon. And all pain and fear seem to have vanished for now, leaving a lovely, peaceful image of them relaxed and content with each other. Wonderful chapter as always! :-)

elliska · 25 November 2004 · Chapter 7: Challenges

This was wonderful. It is good to see both twins relatively healthy and happy enough to be teasing poor Legolas and his horse. Legolas is so horrified at the idea of putting a saddle on his horse. Too funny. And Thranduil joining in. I can definitely see that. Great job. Sorry to see this one ending.

lwarren · 24 November 2004 · Chapter 7: Challenges

After the tension and fear of the previous chapters, it is good to see Elrohir snapping at others and trying to reassert his independence! I suppose healers do make the worst patients - they know it all, of course *g* and must submit to the care of others! :-) Legolas was very astute in thinking Elladan needed time away from the sick room, and to challenge him to races without saddle or bridle! Well, I guess that gave El other things to think about, like how not to get thrown on his head! A good, calm chapter, Jay...no Halls or Namo or spiders in sight, thank the Valar! Update soon - any more baths in sight? *slaps self* Sorry...elves in baths do strange things to my thought processes! linda (BTW, have a wonderful Thanksgiving!)

French Pony · 24 November 2004 · Chapter 7: Challenges

Getting better, but still weak. That's the most frustrating time of being sick. When you know that you can do everything for yourself, but you just need a little more time to do it. And you keep falling asleep. And you still hurt just a little. And then you admit that you're really glad to have Mom and Dad around (if they are around, which they are, in this case). So where is Legolas going to find a saddle for Calegdal?

daw the minstrel · 24 November 2004 · Chapter 7: Challenges

Now I feel a longing for a hot bath and a nap between my nice flannel sheets. :-) I'm glad to see both twins so much better. Elrohir is regaining his strength and feeling better mentally too, and Elladan seemed to really need that time away. Riding without a saddle sounds painful! Does Legolas have callouses that protect him, do you think. ;0

Bodkin · 24 November 2004 · Chapter 7: Challenges

It's lovely to see Elrohir recovering. I liked him snoozing in the bath as he washed away all the general yuckiness of being ill. And it's so much easier to accept help from your adar rather than a healer - family rather than professional help. (Thinking about Elrohir as a houseless spirit is quite worrying. Glad that didn't happen.) Elladan's bruises are quite . . . interesting. And will have taken his mind off his brother nicely. Shame the story is coming to an end. You'll just have to start another!

Lianna · 24 November 2004 · Chapter 7: Challenges

What a nice, reassuring chapter -- except that the weirdest thing kept bothering me. It was seeing you refer to Legolas's horse as Calegdal. I kept remembering that in Shadows over Lasgalen and Interlude in Imladris, Legolas had a horse called Pavisel, and somehow it seemed wrong for him to have a different horse in this story. But the two stories take place more than 900 years apart, so of course it would have to be a different horse. Yet somehow it's so sad to think about how short the lives of horses are compared to the lives of elves. Of course an elf would have had many, many horses in his lifetime. Of course the horses die. But I had never thought about that before. And now I'm left wondering -- how many horses have Legolas and the twins loved and lost during their long lives? Please excuse the maudlin meanderings. I seem to be in an odd mood today. Your story is very enjoyable, as always.

Narello · 15 November 2004 · Chapter 1: Premonitions

Hey, I really like it! The only note that really jarred me was 'Oh gods'. I should think they'd have said 'oh Valar'? Seems more appropriate for Middle Earth. Other than that, I really like it so far.