Elrond is a great father. He handled the two little intruders in his council so well. Many other parents would have been angry and thrown them out, no matter why they came and how worried they were. I am glad he took them seriously and started the search.
It must be very hard for Elrohir's parents not to know what had happened to their son and so much harder for Celebrían to turn back after finding the shoe as a first track of her missing son. I certainly wouldn't be in their place now!
It was good their mothers took Johir and Belmandren to Elrond - to tell him what they had done to his little son must have been quite difficult for them, and they deserved it. It would have been much to easy if their mothers had told Elrond and Celebrían. I wonder how they will be punished. Hopefully they will think twice in the future before doing anything like this again!
You described Elladans growing awareness of his bond with his brother without really knowing what it was very well. He is too young to understand it, but he is acting upon it nonetheless out of instinct, I think. And I liked it how he slipped away, knowing they can't stop him. He will find his brother, although I wonder how he will help Elrohir back in spite of the broken ankle as long as the adults aren't able to reach them, and I don't think Elladan is able to carry his brother. Maybe they should send Legolas through this tunnel, too ...
I can't wait for more and hope you can update soon - you can't want me to die from the suspense, do you?
Author's reply
You been peeking at my draft? You're right that Elladan won't be able to get Elrohir out on his own and he's going to need the help of a certain blond elfing. (Hopefully I'm not spoiling things by giving away things before the chapter's posted).
Personally, I would NOT have wanted to be Johir or Belmandren's mother and had to tell my lord and lady what my son had done. Not a very happy thought! Fortunately, my son is actually a really nice young man and is more the type to help out the younger kids rather than play mean tricks on them. Actually, though, I don't see Johir and Belmandren as really bad kids either...they were just stupid and didn't think through the possible consequences of what they were doing. Not much comfort to their mothers at this moment I suppose, however.
And please hang in their a bit longer and don't die from suspense! :) I really am trying to get the next chapter written, but my muses are not being very cooperative. No...that's not fair to them, it is really more that I haven't had much time to sit down and write. I'm aiming for week after next.
perelleth
· 11 June 2005
· Chapter 4: A Pair of Shoes
The atmosphere is so stiffling! Poor Celebrían, having to turn back when she was almost there! The tension is so vivid! And those two "valiant" big boys! My, I cannot think of a suiting punishment, I let that to your imagiantion, something truly creative, please!
Poor Elrohir must be thoroughly disoriented by now, no wonder he would hate caves and rats for the rest of his inmortal life! Thankfully, it is Elladan to the rescue, now, but I wouldn't like be in Elrond or Celebrian's shoes for nothing in this world! Such anguish! LEt's hope this is now going for the best!
Author's reply
You know, I haven't actually put much thought into what the punishment should be for the two pranksters. They already feel lower than worms, but you're right in that I should be creative with their punishments...hmmmm....any thoughts?
As for Elrohir, fortunately for him he's currently unconscious and thus no longer afraid. And Elladan is on his way and will find him soon. Er...well, soon in the next chapter, which is somewhat stalled at the moment so it might not be very soon in real time. Ah well...things ARE going in the right direction, though.
Bodkin
· 11 June 2005
· Chapter 4: A Pair of Shoes
It was pretty brave of Elladan and Legolas to confront the meeting of elves who were busy with the fate of Middle Earth - but at least Elrond is the kind of Adar who can tell the difference between bored elflings and worried ones.
But poor Elrohir! He's been stuck in that cave for almost a whole day - and he's hurt! I can see perfectly how he will confront his own cave/rat terrors for Elladan, though. (He would anyway, but there's a beautiful symmetry between the two tales!)
It must be awful to be the mother of one of those two obnoxious boys! Imagine dragging them to Elrond, knowing that they have harmed his sweet little elfling. At least Rat and Toad deserve to be scared and humiliated! Let's see - a career as sanitation elves seems to beckon. You don't need sensitivity to deal with that!
And Celebrian - getting to the point where she can't get through the tunnel must have been the worst moment of her life so far. Really, Legolas and Elladan are the only practical option - but who can send elflings their age into pitch darkness and who knows what? Just as well Elladan went - and he knows they can't fetch him back. Did Celebrian leave the torch down the tunnel? I hope so - the only way Elladan will find Elrohir in the pitch dark is to step on him, and that won't do him any good. (And she should go back with a supply of torches. They will help keep the rats away.)
You can't leave this too long! The poor elflings need rescue. Elrohir needs rescue - and counselling.
Estel? He still needs a boot. Introduce him to Belmandren and Johir. He can help them in their life work.
Author's reply
Not to discount the bravery of Elladan and Legolas, but I don't really think they knew what their parents were talking about. For all they knew, it was a discussion about the best way to harvest wheat! Still, for two little tykes to interrupt any grown-up meeting had to take courage and I like that they are willing to take risks when necessary. Speaks well of their characters.
And yes, I would definitely hate being the mother of one of the older boys and have to tell Elrond and Celebrian that my son was responsible for their little son missing. Ugh! I can imagine the discussions in those homes after Elrohir is found and all the excitement has died down. I wouldn't want to be either of those boys for a long time!
Yes, Celebrian did leave the torch, thankfully, because there is absolutely no light otherwise. Without it, Elladan would have a very hard time finding Elrohir. I have written that part of the chapter already, but the rest of it is not coming along very fast, I'm afraid. SO...I'm sorry but the next update is still probably a couple of weeks out. Just haven't had time in the evenings and I've been out of town every weekend for the past month and a half!
As for Estel, I agree that a boot would still be a good option. He's not done being immature just yet.
songspinner
· 10 June 2005
· Chapter 4: A Pair of Shoes
Yikes. The suspense is certainly well done, here. The twins' mother understanding before Elrond is interesting...
This reminds me of the older kids at my school convincing the younger ones that on their overnight trip, the counselors would leave them in the woods at night without even a flashlight. It took several kids deciding they shouldn't go for me to realize what was going on and talking to the class. Sheesh.
Author's reply
Yes, "innocent fun" can sometimes take a nasty turn. I'm glad you found out about what the kids in school were saying before they ruined the trip for the younger ones. Poor little things! As for Elrond and Celebrian, well, I think that in this case she was able to be a bit more objective since she wasn't the one who was being disobeyed. I know if one of my kids was was flat-out ignoring what I told them, I'd be irritated too! I think Elrond and Celebrian make a good team, though, and I'm sure there are times when Elrond has to be the voice of reason with Celebrian if the twins are being especially rascally. (Is that a word? Hmmmm).
daw the minstrel
· 10 June 2005
· Chapter 4: A Pair of Shoes
I'm deeply grateful that someone is now going after Elrohir. I kept waiting for the two older boys to fess up once the search started but I suppose it was night and they didn't hear about it. How horrible for the parents to know Elrohir is there and not be able to reach him. I hope Elladan is okay.
Author's reply
I honestly can't imagine how terrible it would be to know your child was trapped and you couldn't get to them. It would be even worse for Celebrian, who probably felt that if she could get just a little further, she could find him. Poor thing...I'd be frantic, trying to get through. But...it's Elladan to the rescue! And you're right, Johir and Belmandren didn't hear about the search until early morning, which is when they finally fessed up. I bet telling their lord that they'd left his son in a cave is something they'll never forget!
Ellie
· 31 May 2005
· Chapter 3: A Cruel Game
I'm enjoying this story very much! The inner struggle of Elrohir is very well protrayed and Aragorn's selfish attitude is well done too. I think I'd be afraid of Elladan as well after he got as angry as he did. Can't wait for more!
Author's reply
So glad you're enjoying it. I'd be afraid of Elladan, too, if he was that angry at me. I almost feel sorry for Estel, except that he deserves what he gets. He may have been disappointed, but it really didn't excuse his mean behavior. More coming either today or tomorrow!
Kitty
· 28 May 2005
· Chapter 3: A Cruel Game
What an awful outcome after being so reasonable! Poor little Elrohir! No wonder he could never forget this! He was so little then, and rat bites even in the face *shudders* Although this is only the first part of the story, I'm already feeling quite sick. Probably I can't think about rats or see one without thinking about this for a long time.
I wonder how long the poor little guy is trapped there? It must be very traumatic - trapped in the dark, the fear, hunger and thirst, the pain from his ankle ... hopefully the others are going to miss him soon and start the search. I wonder if at least Belmandren will have a bad conscience if Elrohir doesn't emerge anywhere and Elrond starts a search and tells his lord what he and Johir have done? They both wouldn't let him suffer for days, wouldn't they? Or maybe Elladan is able to sense something through his bond with Elrohir?
Please update soon, I'm dying to know more!
Author's reply
Poor fellow is right! You think you're being good, then get all excited when the "big" boys ask you to play, and then you end up being stuck in the dark, hurt, and terrified that you're going to be eaten. Not exactly a good day! The next chapter is going to show the others' reaction when they find him missing, and yes, Belmandren does feel guilty. So does Johir, but Belmandren, as you guessed, is the more sympathetic character. And Elladan will feel something through the bond, but it's kind of new and he wont' realize right away what it means. Update is coming soon!
Bodkin
· 28 May 2005
· Chapter 3: A Cruel Game
Poor Elrohir. Well, if there's one lesson he's learned from this (apart from large quantities of rats in dark places are icky), it's - don't try to behave yourself. It only ends up in worse trouble. Follow your brother and friend headlong into disaster, whether you approve or not; it will lead to fewer problems in the end.
How unfair that his common sense led directly to his being left alone to fall into the hands of a nasty pair of elfling tormentors. If Elrond had to make a point that Elladan and Legolas were being punished and Elrohir wasn't, he should have made sure that someone was entertaining son number 2 within earshot of son number 1. Because I see Elrohir's point totally!
I loved Elladan's authoritative lordly manner - even when flat out with broken bones and general feeling awful. He must have done it very well, to get brattish Estel to turn automatically and do his bidding.
(I think the only reason I'm not itching to slap said Estel at the moment is that he featured very little in this chapter. Elrond must be showing inordinate self-control in his dealings with his foster-son at the moment. Elven patience must come in useful.)
The thought of lying on the ground in a pitch dark cavern, with a broken ankle and large quantities of rats running over me is totally cringe-worthy. I'm glad I didn't find this chapter last night. It is definitely better read in daylight.
More please.
Author's reply
I think you have Elrohir's reaction pegged. I've gone back and forth on how I want this to affect him (disregarding his aversion to rats). One option is to have him do what you said...follow Elladan's lead regardless of his own thoughts. A second one, though, would be to make him not follow anyone and become disobedient and angry. I'm leading toward option 'a,' but am not quite sure yet. Yeah, I like Elladan's 'lord' act as well. Elrohir for some reason has always been my favorite, but the more I write of Elladan, the more I like him. Maybe I should do a story that focuses on him. Hmmm...
Creashuns
· 28 May 2005
· Chapter 3: A Cruel Game
WOW! Great Chapter! I'm glad that you updated so quickly!
Creashuns
Author's reply
Thanks! Glad you liked it! I'll get the next one up fairly soon, too, although the following ones will take longer (barely outlined at this point).
Tigger
· 27 May 2005
· Chapter 3: A Cruel Game
GASP!! Oh NO!! The poor wee thing. No wonder he's as terrified of rats as he is. You can't just leave him there. Post the next chapter and soon!!
Author's reply
Indeed, he has good reason to be afraid of the rats. I sure would be. You'd never get me back into a cave. (Actually, I enjoy caves, so I guess I should be grateful I've never encountered any rats in them!) I'll get the next chapter up soon...I promise!
Elena Tiriel
· 27 May 2005
· Chapter 3: A Cruel Game
Oh, dear. Did I happen to mention that I'm claustrophobic?
This was... intense. And difficult to read, in the sense that it roused a lot of, er, rather unpleasant emotion... I definitely empathize with Elrohir... so, in other words, it is evocative and well-written.
Ack! Ack! Ack! And I *knew* you were going to leave us with a cliff-hanger, but I read it anyway! Ack!
- Barbara, a glutton for your brand of angst... ;-D
Author's reply
Oh dear! At least I didn't make Elrohir claustrophobic...that would have been awful for him. (Uh, not that what happened wasn't awful as well.) Sorry about that cliff hanger. I'm not trying to be intentionally suspenseful--it was just a natural place to cut off the chapter. The next one will be up soon, though. Either tonight or tomorrow, I hope. So glad you like my brand of angst!! ;)
perelleth
· 27 May 2005
· Chapter 3: A Cruel Game
ICk! I'm with poor Elrohir! I'd hate rats forever (and mischievous elves, btw) had something even remotely like that ever happened to me! Gosh, it's awful, the poor creature! He seems to have bad luck with people, doesn't he? If Estel doesn't come to his senses with this tale, then I vote that he's served the same treatment, blinded, bounded and gagged, in attention to his "older" age! My! no wonder Elladan was so enraged! They must have been so frightened when they noticed that he wasn't around! Go on! You cannot possibly let the poor child lying there for a long time! ;-)
Author's reply
Yeah, I think I'd be a little suspicious of the older boys for awhile myself. It's really a shame, though, that he's learning to trust his instincts the hard way. Elladan, in time, will come to learn everything that Elrohir went through, so he does have good reason to be angry at Estel. He knows what it meant for Elrohir to be in that cave. Sorry I have to leave Elrohir trapped for awhile longer. Help will be on the way soon, though!
daw the minstrel
· 27 May 2005
· Chapter 3: A Cruel Game
OK. This was so horrible that I have to admit that I skimmed the last few paragraphs. You got me! Ick,ick,ick. I felt so sorry for the little guy. Somebody has to come and get him NOW!!!
Author's reply
Oh dear, I didn't mean to make it that horrible. I skimmed over a lot of the icky part, I thought, and didn't give a lot of graphic details. Ah well, the whole point was to show why he has a legitimate reason for his later reaction. Uhm, no one's coming quite yet to get him. They will soon, but the way the chapters are set up, it will still be a while. I guess the good thing is that he is unconscious at the moment, so he isn't aware of the passing of time.
Jay of Lasgalen
· 27 May 2005
· Chapter 3: A Cruel Game
Ai, poor Elrohir! How terrified he is.
You do a good job of writing the argument with Elladan - it starts out a very minor disagreement, but rapidly escalates out of control. Neither of them want this, but neither can back down. Then Elrohir falls in with the older elves - he's still sensible, and can see the flaws in their story, but doesn't want to seem a baby ;(
The rats are horrible (even though they're panicked as well, and just want to get away from the elfling treading on them!) and I don't wonder that Elrohir is so terrified. I just hope Elladan hears his terror, or Elrond does.
Author's reply
Unfortunately, I drew from my own experience for the argument. It's so easy to start out with a minor conflict and then it escalates before you know it. I guess that's a good thing about not being a five-year-old--you actually can realize when things are going off-track! I do feel sorry for Elrohir being tricked by the older boys. I felt very mean making him feel so happy that they wanted him with them, knowing that they were just stringing him along. Rotten boys! They'll feel suitably contrite later, but I'm not sure Elrohir will appreciate that. Elladan does hear Elrohir's terror, but I figure that the twins didn't understand their bond that well when they were very small, so Elladan doesn't realize at first why he's feeling uneasy (part of the next chapter). Oh...and I DID read your "death" story, but didn't review because I didn't quite know what to say. As always, the writing was excellent, but I simply don't like death fics. I don't mind an angsty story (obviously), but in the end I want that happy ending. I guess I read about enough sad and tragic things in the news. So, I prefer to think of the twins sailing off eventually to join their parents. Anyway, sorry, next time I'll review anyway. I do love your writing.
perelleth
· 20 May 2005
· Chapter 2: Afraid of the Dark?
See, I printed out the first ten chapers of Lost, and took them with me on a business trip I had this week, just to relive the relationship beween Estel and his brothers. And now, back home and finding this new chapter I was glad that I did so, for I find that I make more sense of all of it. It'd be painful to be in Estel's shoes, poor one with his hero turned to simple coward, and the clear sight and judgement of adolescence taking over the situation... the whole conflict was very well managed, including Legolas trying to kep a low profile attitude and finally snapping!
And I love the consistency of your characters. This proficent, stubbrn, prideful yes considerate Elrohir, with his hidden strength and his soft heart, and Elladan's elder brother mode, taking out the best of him... Simply loving it, girl, just go on!
Author's reply
Geesh, even I haven't printed out "Lost." It must take a ream of paper (yes, yes, I do tend to get long-winded when I'm writing...sigh). I loved your line "clear sight and judgement of adolescence..." Ha! Beautiful sarcasm! :) I'm really glad you like the character development so far. I'm trying not to make them too perfect, too predictable, or too boring. I think I'm probably not quite hitting the mark on some of those (I fear I may be making them too predictable), so I'll have to think of some way to make them interesting and yet still keep them in character. I love a good challenge!
Elena Tiriel
· 17 May 2005
· Chapter 2: Afraid of the Dark?
Oh, dear! I guess I'll have to queue up to smack Estel, huh?
This is a great story! The cave was suitably creepy *shivers* and Estel's teenage behavior -- well, it makes me want to put my hands over my eyes and pray that, though I was an insufferable know-it-all then, I hope I wasn't that oblivious to causing pain to others... *feeling guilty*
Can't wait to hear the story -- I think! *shivers at what could possibly make an Elf so phobic of rats*
- Barbara
Author's reply
Yes my dear, get in line, please. Lots of folks want their chance to tell Estel he's behaving badly. I hope I wasn't a boorish teenager either. I don't remember being one, but I have a feeling I'd better not ask my Mom that question! I'm just about to let you see the first part of what could make an elf hate rats...hope you enjoy it!
Elentariel
· 17 May 2005
· Chapter 2: Afraid of the Dark?
This is a great story and please keep adding to it! Estel is such an idiot! (THAT'S NOT A COMPLAINT)
Author's reply
Can't argue with you there...Estel is definitely being an idiot! Life lessons are seldom easy, though, and he's learning things the hard way.
daw the minstrel
· 17 May 2005
· Chapter 2: Afraid of the Dark?
I'm very glad they've gotten Elladan out of there. How horrible for him to be lying in the dark like that. But it seems as if Estel still has a way to go to achieve some understanding. I like the idea that one of the things he'll learn is to look for people's motives, their reasons. That will stand him in good stead some day when he looks at Boromir, for instance.
Author's reply
I didn't really say much about Elladan's thoughts while he was stuck in the dark, but I've planned to use that later when he tries to help Elrohir deal with everything. Your point about looking for reasons and motives and how it'll affect Estel later is a great one. Maybe I'll have to flesh those sections out more than I'd been planning. Hmmm....
Kitty
· 17 May 2005
· Chapter 2: Afraid of the Dark?
Obviously I'm not the only one who wants to slap Estel. How can he be so cruel to Elrohir? I feel so sorry for poor Elrohir after all he's been through! It is about time someone tells this all-too self-righteous youngling (and us poor readers!) what had happened earlier and why Elrohir reacts so badly to caves and rats. And I truly hope Estel will be ashamed and apologise to Elrohir soon. Although it may seem quite appropriate to hand him over to Elladan, it is not so wise because of his injuries. It was amazing he was able to attack Estel at all, considering his state. He must have been very enraged, and not without reason. At least he is rescued and safe - the only consolation in this chapter!
Can't wait for Legolas' story and hope you're able to update soon!
Author's reply
Yes, there seems to be a whole group of folks ready to give Estel a good slap. I know he's upset, disappointed, and embarrassed, but he really should have had more compassion for Elrohir. Well, he's getting the start of the story in the chapter I'm posting later today. It'll still take some convincing, though, before he's ready to apologize. And Elladan really shouldn't have been up, but he's very protective of those he loves and was furious with Estel's words, knowing how Elrohir would take them.
eliza61
· 17 May 2005
· Chapter 2: Afraid of the Dark?
Good story, I imagine estel is acting like many teenagers do when handling disappointment. It was easy to feel angry at him and sad for him. All your characters are nicely developed. Looking forward to the next update.
E.
Author's reply
Yes, Estel is very disappointed and that makes him harsher than he might have been if it had been someone other than his brother in that cave. It's always hard when someone you love disappoints you. He's going to have to do some real growing up to see the bigger picture. Glad you're enjoying the character development!
Jay of Lasgalen
· 17 May 2005
· Chapter 2: Afraid of the Dark?
Can I slap Estel? Hard? Please??
Right, having got that out of my system: Great chapter! I'm so pleased that Elladan is safe and relatively well, and back with his twin. I liked his anger and protection of Elrohir even though he's injured!
Poor Elrohir, though. He's still tense and exhausted, and covered in rat bites. And rat bites can carry very nasty diseases - I hope Elrohir's human blood isn't going to affect him :( And now his little brother has told him he's a coward. Yes, Estel nees to be told the back story (and so do we!) and learn that 'courage' isn't about not being afraid, it's doing what you must even if you are terrified. Thankfully, Legolas and Elladan are queuing up to teach him that lesson!
Author's reply
You can join the "Slap Estel" line. It seems like you have a lot of company. I enjoyed writing the "fierce Elladan" sections, actually. Elrohir has always been my favorite, for whatever reason, but I find myself liking Elladan more and more as I look into his character, too. He'd make a wonderful brother, I think. Hadn't really thought about the diseases a rat's bite might carry. Hmmm....
Bodkin
· 17 May 2005
· Chapter 2: Afraid of the Dark?
I still want to slap Estel. He is overcome with the arrogant, know-it-all attitude of youth. How dare he assume that he is better able to judge courage and sacrifice than those centuries older than he is? I'm only surprised that Elladan managed to control his urge to thump him. It was probably those broken ribs - he just couldn't muster the muscle. He hasn't even noticed all the work and effort and bleeding that Elrohir has put into the effort to retrieve his brother. He's too busy congratulating himself on his own untried nerve.
He's managing to make me seethe in the way that teenagers are so good at doing.
In one way I look forward to hearing Legolas's telling of the story behind Elrohir's dread of rats. But in another way, I'm dreading it. It's bound to be icky and require nerves of steel.
Author's reply
Seems like a lot of folks want to slap Estel. He is behaving in a very teenagerish manner (uh...sorry to any teenagers reading this)--old enough to think he is wise, but too young to actually have a good understanding of the world. And you're right--it must be even harder for the elves to deal with that since they are SO much older. All in all, it's a good thing youth is temporary! Uhm, getting ready to post the next chapter later today. It's a bit icky, but hopefully not too bad!
Laurelin
· 25 April 2005
· Chapter 1: A Fallen Hero
Wow what a great author you are,iv'e just finished reading Lost it was such a fantasic story i could't stop reading it and now you are writing another for us to read i just hope i can keep sane waiting for the updates LOL.
Thanx Laurelin.
Author's reply
Gee, gosh, thanks! I'm so glad you like my writing. I get a lot of joy from it and especially from hearing from readers, so I appreciate your review very much. I'm not the quickest of writers ("Lost" took over a year to finish), since I tend to make my chapters long, so please hang in there with me. I promise no matter how long it takes, I WILL finish my story.
fm
lmw
· 20 April 2005
· Chapter 1: A Fallen Hero
I can't wait to see how this develops. Elrohir is upset enough at his reactions, what will happen when Estel calls him on it - because I'm sure it will happen! Hero-worship and all that. Nicely written.
Author's reply
You're right...Estel will confront Elrohir in the next chapter (well, sort of...he makes his feelings known in a rather bratty way) and Elrohir definitely will be upset by it. I'm glad you like the story so far. Thanks for the review!
fm
perelleth
· 20 April 2005
· Chapter 1: A Fallen Hero
Welcome back! To me that part of "Lost" when Aragorn reminds a depressed Elrohir that he taught him the true face of courage was one of the most touching moments of the story, and I always wondered what had happened in that cave...so I'm glad you chose this part to make your comeback! I hope we'll get to learn of what lies behind this fear, for it seems there are some painful memories, too, tied to dark caves... I'm looking forward to the rest of the story, no matter how long it takes you!
Author's reply
Hi! When I wrote that scene in "Lost," I did have a vague idea about this story and always wanted to flesh it out, so I'm glad I'm finally getting around to it. I'm glad you enjoyed that scene from the old story, though--it's one I liked, too. A lot of the rest of the story will be things that happened in the past (ie, why Elrohir hates caves/rats). It may take awhile to write, so I'm glad you're have the patience to stick it out with me!
fm