Reviews (27)

utfrog · 11 May 2009 · Chapter 9999: Where Time Has No Meaning

Just lovely! Thank you.

Larner · 10 May 2009 · Chapter 9999: Where Time Has No Meaning

Ah, love this trust! Wonderful choice on both parts!

Larner · 10 May 2009 · Chapter 2: We'll Meet Again

Once the gates of death are passed, the fact one is dead ought not to matter, just as Elladan realizes. And he is back with the other half of his being, looking forward to what will come next. Wonderful reunion.

Larner · 10 May 2009 · Chapter 1: Till Death Us Do Part

Letting go of the grief can be difficult, and even then it can come back to haunt you. Alas for the pain he feels; but at least they handled it well and he found himself accepting the loss in time.

Lianna · 10 May 2009 · Chapter 9999: Where Time Has No Meaning

What a tough choice! I assume that by "Arda," you mean that they will be going to Valinor. Or will they return to Middle-Earth? That could make an interesting story. Perhaps someday you'll tell us the story of their return. I hope so, anyway.

curiouswombat · 10 May 2009 · Chapter 9999: Where Time Has No Meaning

Thank you so much - that is perfect.

pipinheart · 12 July 2005 · Chapter 2: We'll Meet Again

Elanda meets a tragic end,though I can saw i was kind of glad in a way. The twins are meant to be together and they are reunited at last. Elrohir knew the fate of his brother,and called out to him,and was heard. Eladan and Elrohir will most likely be up to michief up there as wel... Lovely piece,had me in tear...Keep up the great work....

pipinheart · 12 July 2005 · Chapter 1: Till Death Us Do Part

This is a very emotional piece,and it is writen so well... I was heartbroken when Elrohir died and the pain Eladan went through was sad. All those that love him he comes to realize after so long as they celebrate his twins life.... Love this....Keep up the writing....

Celebwen · 14 May 2005 · Chapter 2: We'll Meet Again

O_O......Jay...you DO know that you're one of my three favorite fanfic authors, don't you?

Vi Janaway · 11 May 2005 · Chapter 2: We'll Meet Again

More tears....I can't believe you did that...both of them... Well-done

Kitty · 10 May 2005 · Chapter 2: We'll Meet Again

I had looked for a happy reunion in Valinor, and instead you've killed Elladan, too! *shakes head, sniffing* Truly, I fear it will not be so long and every time one of our favourite elves sees you from far away, they will run away and hide! At least they are reunited, even if not exactly how I had expected. On the one side, I was happy for the twins to be together again, but on the other side very sorry for Glorfindel, who has now to explain to Elrond and Celebrían what had happened when he returns to Valinor and the twins aren't released from the Halls by then. Anyway, you've described Elladans awakening in the Halls very nice, and Námo was very gentle.

Olostawen · 9 May 2005 · Chapter 2: We'll Meet Again

I was so happy to see this epilogue posted! I've thoroughly enjoyed this story--in a heart-wrenching sort of way. You've done such a fabulous job of portraying the Halls of Mandos and the reunion of the twins. I love to read a story that brings such fuzzy aspects of mortality and immortality to life (no pun intended). Thank you so much for this touching story.

Daynawayna · 9 May 2005 · Chapter 2: We'll Meet Again

WOW Jay! That was AWESOME! I loved it! wow... incredible story. I can't say enough about it... I'm just wowed. :)

Dot · 9 May 2005 · Chapter 2: We'll Meet Again

Well… I guess that’s one way of reuniting them! I actually thought this way was just perfect. It was very interesting to know that Elladan could survive the death of his twin, even though it took him so long to begin to come to terms with it. It’s probably not something he would have thought possible. But it was also fitting for them to meet this way. I couldn’t even begin to think of poor Elladan sailing to Valinor, not knowing if Elrohir would be there and if not, what to say to his parents. I loved the opening of the chapter, with Elladan’s awareness of the world around him and his realisation of what he’s missed and recognition of the fact that he’s seeing things in a new way. The little moment where he pauses and then turns away from his brother’s door is very poignant. He’s moving on, but must do it slowly. I’m glad Aragorn and Arwen could stay for so long, even thought it is rather telling when Aragorn says that Eldarion is “grown, and ready for kingship.” You did a great job with the atmosphere when they’re in the mountains. I had no idea what you were going to do but I was really starting to feel very uneasy!! I liked Elladan’s very calm reaction to his own death. I’d like to think that’s the way it would be. I do love your Námo. I actually felt really happy for him that he could witness such joy between the twins at their reunion! It was wonderful seeing Elrohir so full of life and I really like the thought that he stayed for Elladan instead of moving on. I don’t imagine they’ll need to spend very long here, trying to find healing. I hope not anyway, because I feel really bad for their parents!! Funnily enough, I thought I’d be heartbroken for Glorfindel but I think that even though he’ll feel grief, he’s also wise enough to know that they’re together now and that they’ll all see each other again. Poor Arwen, though. She’s lost her whole family now, with no hope of ever being reunited with them. Ah well, at least Elladan and Elrohir are together again, as it should be.

Bodkin · 9 May 2005 · Chapter 2: We'll Meet Again

How has the epilogue become a prologue? Is it intentional?

Elvenesse · 9 May 2005 · Chapter 2: We'll Meet Again

That was very bittersweet. I'm glad that he's with his brother now, and that they will be reborn and reunited with their parents in Valinor. But that leaves poor Glorfindel to bring Elrond and Celeborn the news that all their children are death - and Aragorn and Arwen forever beyond their reach.

Bodkin · 9 May 2005 · Chapter 2: We'll Meet Again

Poor Arwen! She's already lost one brother, her parents are for ever beyond her reach, Aragorn is going to pop his clogs in a decade or two and she's for the chop shortly after! Cruel, cruel author to rob her of her remaining sibling. She still has Legolas, true, but he's tormented by the sea-longing and clearly not long for the world. (After all, he only agreed to stay until Aragorn set off on his journey beyond the circles of the world. It's no wonder she gave up the ghost in Lothlorien. And Glorfindel - he will have been desperate, too! How will he face Elrond, having allowed both his sons to confront something terminal? Although, at least I suppose it precludes the choice and they are now dead and later-to-be-reembodied elves. What will he do now? I suppose he and Celeborn will be available to guard Arwen through her last days, but then . . . . On the other hand, I can feel Elladan's relief at being reunited with his brother. Just as he began to reconcile himself to living without him, but still . . . And Namo is very reassuring and welcoming. No flames and pitchforks in the Halls of Mandos. Not that the twins deserve flames and pitchforks, of course. I'm glad Elrohir waited for Elladan. I want a reunion! I shall picket!! Dame Vera, I want more people to meet again!!!

French Pony · 8 May 2005 · Chapter 2: We'll Meet Again

What an interestingly tidy ending! And ironic, too, in the way that the world has of surprising you. Just as Elladan figures out how to live without Elrohir, suddenly he doesn't have to put that understanding to use. It's almost as though something was holding out to see if he could do it, and once he proved that he could in fact survive the separation, the Powers That Be took pity on him and reunited the twins. I have to say, I really like your Námo. He only gets these little cameo roles, but he's the wisest, kindest, nicest Angel of Death I've ever read about.

elliska · 8 May 2005 · Chapter 2: We'll Meet Again

You are heartless! You killed Elladan too! Well at least this time I'm at home and only my husband, who loves LotR as much as me, could see me almost choke to death on my tea when I realized how they would meet again. But, after I thought it over, I realized that this is actually a good thing. The twins always share everything and they need to share this experience before they come back to Valinor to be reunited with Elrond and Celebrian. But geez! This was a sad one. No doubt. Great job!

daw the minstrel · 8 May 2005 · Chapter 2: We'll Meet Again

I can't believe you killed Elladan too!!! OK. Given that you did, this was very comforting actually. It was like moving on and they'll even move back into bodies again and be with their parents and friends in Valinor.

Kitty · 2 May 2005 · Chapter 1: Till Death Us Do Part

Oh Jay, I don't know what to say. After your warning I didn't dare to read this today morning at work, and now I am glad - I'm sitting here in tears. It was so sad and touching - Elladan's slow realisation what had happened, his last minutes with his beloved twin, how he eased his last moments ... Poor Elladan, it must be quite hard for him to live without his twin, considering their strong, close bond. He has to be very strong for bearing it without fading. I am glad Glorfindel has called for Aragorn and Arwen and organized this wake for it seems to help Elladan to let go at least some of his grief. But when I remember it is not very long and he has to cope with the loss of his sister and foster-brother as well I am very worried. I only hope Námo will release Elrohir quite soon from the Halls of Mandos, and be it only for the sake of Elladan!

Dot · 2 May 2005 · Chapter 1: Till Death Us Do Part

I know the summary said character death but crikey, I never expected this! You and Námo really have it in for Elrohir ;-) This was amazing. I thought the part with Elladan’s slow and terrible realisation that it’s not his own pain that he’s feeling was just brilliant. So well done. I think my heart missed a beat when he staggered over and found Elrohir lying on the ground in such agony. The death scene was both powerful and painful. I don’t know which of them I felt worse for. My heart went out to Elladan as he struggled against the knowledge that he was losing his twin and then giving in to offer Elrohir what comfort he could. And Elrohir! I thought he was very brave in the face of his death, and I had tears in my eyes when he asks his brother for forgiveness. I’m so glad Elladan was able to ease his pain a little. I loved the line “Around them, the warriors of Imladris knelt; their heads bowed, right hand to left breast; in homage at the passing of one of the twin lords of Imladris.” So sad. What a devastating thing for Glorfindel too. Your picture of Elladan’s grief is heart-breaking, but very realistic too. How elves survive such deep and long-lasting grief, I don’t know. I really liked the scene between him and Glorfindel. Poor Glorfindel must have had a tough job, dealing with his own grief and that of Elladan as well. I’m glad he finally tried to make Elladan see how much he’s missing out on life while he dwells on his loss and took it upon himself to send for Elladan’s family and friends. The inscription on the stone is so beautiful in its simplicity, and it’s a lovely thought that a willow was planted there in his memory. The memories everyone shared just about killed me, Jay! It was all so moving, and made even more special, I think, because the readers know the events and moments that are mentioned, and the characters who speak. Beregar’s memory of Elrohir was particularly touching – compassion is indeed a trait I associate with your Elrohir. How good of Arwen & co. to persuade Elladan to join them in the sitting room. They probably needed this themselves and they clearly knew that Elladan needs it. I also found myself smiling at the memories and tales they share! It’s hard to watch this and know that it’s not so long before Elladan will lose Aragorn and Arwen too but I’m so pleased that for now he’s found some peace. This is absolutely excellent – shocking, moving and written with such skill and sensitivity. I’m really looking forward to seeing the second part of this :-)

French Pony · 2 May 2005 · Chapter 1: Till Death Us Do Part

You've really got it in for Elrohir, haven't you? The thing with his birth, the boys and the dog, the spider bite, and now killing him off with Orcs. . . I bet the only thing that keeps him from running screaming to the hills when he sees you approaching is that he knows that, deep down, you really like him, and that whatever you do to him, you'll write it well. This story follows admirably in that tradition, right from the beginning when Elladan kneels stunned in the middle of the battle and feels that piercing pain and can't tell whose wound it is. I love the twins' last words, which are almost crueler than having Elladan find Elrohir dead. The idea of holding a memorial / wake for Elrohir was a lovely one, though I'm a little surprised that Glorfindel waited a hundred years, given the state that Elladan was in. Perhaps being immortal makes Elves a little slow on the uptake. But, late as it came, it was good for Elladan to hear all those memories, especially those of the childhood bullies. Those old ghosts might be partially soothed now. I also notice that this story doesn't seem to fit into your established arc, as it's a hundred years after the War of the Ring and Legolas is still alive and kicking. I could have sworn that he bought it much earlier, courtesy of a lightning bolt, and that both twins came to his funeral. But perhaps I am mistaken. Or perhaps this is outside your regular arc. Who knows? End of semester is approaching, and for all I know, I've turned into a three-headed giant with purple polka dots, and I wouldn't notice. But, yes, good story.

elliska · 2 May 2005 · Chapter 1: Till Death Us Do Part

Holy Cow, Jay! I guess I will take it more seriously from now on when you put a warning on a chapter. I made the mistake of reading this at work and now I have to explain to my lab assistants why I am bawling like a baby over a fictional character. This was really powerfully written! Very provocative. Moving. Exceptionally well done. I can't formulate much more right now. Wow!

Bodkin · 2 May 2005 · Chapter 1: Till Death Us Do Part

Poor Elladan. (Such a cruel author.) Poor Elrohir - apologising for dying. Knowing how devastating your death would be to your twin. Surviving the spider only to have Namo put his foot down this time. I'm glad Glorfindel insisted on holding this wake - I should think everyone remaining in Imladris has been walking on eggshells for a century, and it is probably necessary for others than Elladan to have this moment of remembering Elrohir. And Elladan needs to recover a bit if he is going to make it to the Blessed Realm, for if Elrohir died after the War of the Ring - and it's a century ago - then Elladan is not long from losing his foster brother and his sister as well. And his parents need him to make the journey by ship rather than via the Halls of Mandos.