Aglarendis
· 1 September 2005
· Chapter 3: The Dark Before The Dawn
Hello Jay!
This is a great story, just like your other stories! Oh, poor elrohir! I guess even the sons of Elrond can have those terrible, horrible, no good, very bad days. I like the fact that you show Arwen as not the perfect little elleth as well. Your description of the hair-cutting sceen was so vivid, I could just picture a young Arwen tip-toing in, then showing that guilty look when confronted by her irate brother. Thanks so much for sharing this with us!
Author's reply
No matter how much Arwen claims she did it to 'help' Elrohir, she knew exactly what she was doing - and how he'd react. Otherwise, why sneak in at night? Despite their promise to Celebrían, the twins will find some way to make Arwen pay for this!
I'd given poor Elrohir such a hard time in this story, I decided he deserved a happy ending with Lindella.
Dot
· 20 August 2005
· Chapter 3: The Dark Before The Dawn
*sneaks in shamefacedly* Are you still talking to me?! I’m so sorry – I know I’m really late with reviews (and I have a few chapters of your other story to do too) but I’m going to try and catch up this weekend…
I read this story as you posted it and really enjoyed it! It’s great to have something light-hearted now and then. Not that poor Elrohir had very much fun!
I was so surprised at Glorfindel for making that mistake! But I’ve always loved the idea that Arwen is the only one who never mistakes them. That really appeals to me for some reason. I’d be quite annoyed at Elladan too. He could have set Glorfindel right! Although, I might actually have done the same thing to prevent Glorfindel getting annoyed with me… But then Lindella! Ouch. Poor Elrohir. I think the worst of it is the fact that the two of them really are so different and it must be very frustrating that people don’t immediately know that. I laughed at the line “How could his life possibly get any worse?” Especially followed by the title of the second chapter! LOL.
I was wondering who was crying. I actually didn’t know which of them to feel sorrier for. He’s getting more confused and frustrated by the second and I imagine the main reason she’s so angry and upset is that she’s probably afraid she’s made a fool of herself.
I liked the conversation between the twins. Elladan genuinely didn’t realise that Lindella thought he was Elrohir and he clearly understands how Elrohir feels. I was afraid he’d be upset that Elrohir wished they didn’t look so alike. “Elrohir, she is an elleth. She is not going to like hearing she made a mistake. *snort* Elladan is very wise!
“Reflected moonlight glinted off the blade she held, poised to strike.” Brilliant! I had an inkling as to what was about to happen but it was very well done!
Did Arwen not stop and think that she could have just suggested this to her brothers and they might have agreed, with neater results?! Apparently not. I don’t know what I’d have done if I was Elrohir. It’s a good thing elves don’t have heart attacks. You had me howling with laughter at this exchange: “I am going to kill Arwen – you can watch if you like. Then I am going to lock myself into my room for a month, until my hair has regrown to a sensible length. And Arwen can wait on me, hand and foot, in atonement.”
“Can she do that if you kill her?” Elladan asked reasonably.
“Of course!” Elrohir snapped. “Glorfindel will be able to show her.” Priceless!!
I kind of don’t blame everyone for laughing. I’d probably have bitten through my tongue by now trying not to laugh at him. I’m sure elven hair grows quickly…
I swear I groaned aloud when Elrohir claimed to be Elladan. *sigh* He’s lucky Lindella really seems to like him too. It’s such a sweet scene, though, when she touches his hair. He won’t want to grow it back now!
I loved the ending! I’m still smiling as I type. A thoroughly enjoyable story, Jay :-)
Author's reply
Dot, I've said before, I never mind late reviews - they're all the better for being unexpected!
Light-hearted is fun to write for a change - I love angst, but it can be quite depressing to write, and there are only so many life-threatening or soul-destroying situations I can put my elves through ;)
I don't think that Glorfindel (or Elrond and Celebrían) usually get the twins mixed up, but it happens occasionally when they have an absent-minded moment. Our vicar has identical daughters of around 20, and he gets them wrong sometimes! I just like the idea that Arwen knows her brothers so well she never gets them confused. It must be really frustrating when a potential girlfriend gets it wrong!
I like to explore the drawbacks of being an identical twin - yes, they are very close and know each other inside out (though that could also be difficult at times) but they also want to be recognised as individuals.
Finally, I'm glad you liked the discussion about Arwen and Glorfindel - it was a scene that just wrote itself!
Lianna
· 16 August 2005
· Chapter 3: The Dark Before The Dawn
I would have been even angrier than Elrohir was here. But at least nothing truly dreadful happened to him in this story -- no spider bites or horrible wounds or near-drownings in magical rivers. Whew!
It was so funny to think of Celebrian trying not to laugh. Just like a human mom.
How old is Arwen here? In human-equivalent years, I mean?
Also (and this is quite off-topic), I was looking at your chronologic story list, and you have your Helm's Deep story after your sea-longing story. That doesn't seem right to me. I thought Legolas didn't hear any gulls until after the trip through the Paths of the Dead, which comes after Helm's Deep, doesn't it?
Author's reply
*Blush* Do you know, I never noticed that? No one else did, either! You're quite right, those stories are out of order. I've corrected it now. I also need to work out where 'Confusion' fits into the rest of the story arc (and think about relevant ages). Thanks for pointing that out.
OK, the story - yes, Elrohir was furious, and he won't speak to Arwen for days - but nothing too dreadful happened. His hair will grow again - eventually. It was only his pride that was hurt. He knew he looked ridiculous, and it made matters worse when Elladan and his mother both laughed. Poor Elrohir - but it worked out for him in the end!
Galimeril
· 16 August 2005
· Chapter 3: The Dark Before The Dawn
Hehehe! I love it! Why is it all children have a run-in with scisors? This was just too funny! I love the way you twisted the situation! You are a very good writer!
Can't wait for another story, yours are always so good!
Galimeril
Author's reply
Thanks! I'm glad you liked this - it was fun to write. Arwen and the scissors? Well, I've referred once or twice to the new hairstyle she gave Elrohir - and this was the time to write it. There will be another story soon - I just have to decide which one!
eliza
· 16 August 2005
· Chapter 3: The Dark Before The Dawn
Well met indeed Jay,
Wonderful ending & I admit I should have known you wouldn't intentionally hurt the twins. Anyway, I was very happy to see Arwen get one up on her brothers(I like to root for her, me being the only girl amongst 3 brothers). I personally can't understand what Elrohir is so upset about (laughing uncontrollably), she solved his problem nicely.
Until the next time,
Eliza
Author's reply
Well, I have been known to hurt the twins - just occasionally ... ;) - but not this time.
Arwen agrees with you - Elrohir wanted to look different to his brother, didn't he? Now he does! What's the problem?
Kitty
· 16 August 2005
· Chapter 3: The Dark Before The Dawn
I have known it! It had to be Arwen, embarassing poor Elrohir even more! Truly, even if she had meant it well, it was not nice to do this. And I think she knew she should've asked Elrohir first! But I had hoped she would at least do it to Elladan. Of course she did not. She is a little beast, really.
“First,” Elrohir snarled, “I am going to kill Arwen – you can watch if you like. Then I am going to lock myself into my room for a month, until my hair has regrown to a sensible length. And Arwen can wait on me, hand and foot, in atonement.”
*LOL* Now, that was fun! And the following exchange between the twins ... *laughs even more*
A pity you didn't tell us more about what Elrond and Celebrían told Arwen after this or how she was punished. She will not be safe in the presence of her brothers for some time, I suppose, regardless of what Celebrían said, always fearing some pranks.
I am glad Lindella behaved as she did. It was some consolation for poor Elrohir. And she was truly nice to him this time.
Wonderful little fic! I have enjoyed it so very much!
Author's reply
Yes, Arwen knew perfectly well that what she was doing was wrong, even though she told herself it was for Elrohir's sake - no one believed it, not even her!
I culdn't decide on a punishment for her, so left it unsaid - but I'm sure Elrohir will make her pay for this in some way. He'll get his revenge - and at least he's got Lindella back.
Rose Sared
· 16 August 2005
· Chapter 3: The Dark Before The Dawn
Ah, much better, a rotten hair cut makes perfect sense. Have I mentioned how much I am enjoying this fluff?
Rose
Author's reply
Fluff is good at times. It makes a change from my usual angst. This way I can do something awful to Elrohir and make it funny at the same time.
Rose Sared
· 16 August 2005
· Chapter 2: Getting Worse
Cripes! that is one way to tell them apart - Elladan is the one without a hole in him!
On to the next chapter before I run out of breath from holding it!
Rose
Author's reply
Cliff hangers don't work when you read the chapters back-to-back!
This could have been a nasty moment for Elrohir (well, it still is.)
Rose Sared
· 16 August 2005
· Chapter 1: A Bad Day
Always a bad question that - things can always get worse!!
Forgot how much I enjoyed your take on the twins - forgive my tardiness in reviewing
Rose
Author's reply
Sometimes clichéd lines like that are the best ones to use. It was immediately apparent to everyone that his life would get worse!
Late reviews are good - they're like an unexpected gift.
Bodkin
· 16 August 2005
· Chapter 3: The Dark Before The Dawn
Arwen might actually find herself forgiven, since her evil scheme worked. I feel for Elrohir, though. It must be cringeingly embarrassing to walk into the dining hall like that. And then to have Elladan rush off to see Glorfindel!
Great exchange: . . .And Arwen can wait on me, hand and foot, in atonement.”
“Can she do that if you kill her?” Elladan asked reasonably.
“Of course!” Elrohir snapped. “Glorfindel will be able to show her.”
Celebrian did quite well in keeping a straight face. I'd love to know what happened in that parental interview with their 'helpful' daughter.
And the bit about no-one but family being able to get that close to Elrohir rings true. Providing the instant knowledge that it was Arwen, tempered with a momentary suspicion of his brother.
A good start to a day I am not anticipating with pleasure.
Author's reply
Oh dear - a bad day ahead? What's wrong?
I think it will be a long time before Elrohir forgives Arwen, even though it worked out for the best in the end. He's not going to tell her that Lindella likes it, is he? I haven't decided what Arwen's punishment is going to be, but I think it will include making amends to Elrohir in some way - and he'll make the most of it.
I'm glad you liked the Glorfindel exchange - there are some lines I can hear my characters say, and this was one.
I hope your day isn't too bad.
Jay
French Pony
· 15 August 2005
· Chapter 3: The Dark Before The Dawn
Can I call them, or what?
Arwen was a very naughty girl, indeed, but I can just imagine the look on her face when she went to bed that night. A lovely, if rather sanctimonious, smile that covers pure glee at having done something so wonderfully, deliciously naughty. . . all in the name of doing good for Elrohir, of course. And to go right for the hair, the only thing Tolkien ever mentioned as a turn-on for Elves, right when Elrohir is having girl trouble. . . oh, Arwen really knows how to get under his skin, all right. I bet she thought it was worth it even after Celebrían came in to punish her.
And Elrohir got the girl in the end, as well as a weird haircut. Good for him.
Mrs. Brewster comes from a scene in These Happy Golden Years. She is an unhappy woman married to a prairie settler who does not want to be out settling the Dakotas in the 1880s. One winter, after being snowed into her cabin with no one but a toddler, her unsympathetic husband, and a single young schoolteacher she envies for company, she pulls a knife on her husband. It's a pretty scary scene until he convinces her to put the knife down and go back to bed.
Author's reply
Ah, thanks for the explanation! I wondered.
You made a good guess here - but I really couldn't let him be stabbed in his sleep, could I? It seems odd to write Arwen being naughty, but I'm sure she really knew how to anger her brothers. (I've an older brother, and I knew exactly how to wind him up when we were children!) She was only doing it to help, you know ... ;)
At least it worked out well for Elrohir in the end!
pipinheart
· 15 August 2005
· Chapter 3: The Dark Before The Dawn
Poor Elrohir, his hair was cut, but then it attrackted the young girl...Nice story...
Author's reply
Poor Elrohir indeed - can you imagine how he felt to wake up like that? At least he got the girl in the end.
Nilmandra
· 15 August 2005
· Chapter 3: The Dark Before The Dawn
I had to laugh at the ending! Nothing like a female admiring his hair to make Elrohir suddenly decide everything is ok.
Now for punishment, do you suppose that Celebrian cut Arwen's hair to the same length?
Author's reply
Do you know, I haven't thought about what Arwen's punishment might be. There will be something - Elrond and Celebrian (after they've had a good laugh in privacy) won't let her get away with it.
It had to have a happy ending - 'all's well as ends better', as the Gaffer would say.
elliska
· 15 August 2005
· Chapter 3: The Dark Before The Dawn
Oh I would kill her too. That was clever--I really didn't guess what was coming from the end of the last chapter. I would have had a heart attack if anyone had done that to me! Hilarious! “Glorfindel will be able to show her.” *Snort*
Well, at least Lindella was sympathetic and in a better mood. Poor Elrohir, but all is well that ends well. :-)
Author's reply
Well, this is mainly fluff, so no mad knife-wielding maidens here (just a scissor-wielding sister - which is worse?) I think Arwen was lucky that Elladan was able to calm Elrohir down, though - or she may well have needed Glorfindel's advice!
After the day he's had, Elrohir eserved a happy ending - and as I said, it's fluff.
daw the minstrel
· 15 August 2005
· Chapter 3: The Dark Before The Dawn
Poor Elrohir! But really it turned out quite well for him. He's lucky Lindella appreciates an unconventional look.
Author's reply
I figured he deserved a happy ending after the day he's just had - and at least his hair doesn't look quite so bad now as he feared. I think Lindella's feeling a little guilty at blowing up like that, too.
elliska
· 10 August 2005
· Chapter 2: Getting Worse
So to be so completely behind in reviews. This has been an incredibly hectic week.
I really liked your description of the night. It was really beautiful. And poor Elrohir running into a still angry Lindella.
But this cracked me up: “El? Are you still speaking to me?” he asked warily. / “No,” Elrohir responded shortly.... / “Good. That means you cannot tell me to go away,” Funny!
But this contemplation: I wish that people who should know better – like Glorfindel – did not still confuse us. I wish that people would look at us when they speak to us, and see the differences, not the similarities.” both here in the conversation with his brother and earlier when he was walking before seeing Lindella, I thought was really well done. I never thought about it, but you would feel this way. Cool conversation.
And then I burst out laughing in a public place when I got to this interchange:Now you want to explain as well?”
Elrohir was surprised. “Yes, of course – why not? You did not see her, El – she thought we did it deliberately.”
Elladan shook his head sadly. “You can be very dense sometimes, little brother. You are going to tell her that she was the one in the wrong? Elrohir, she is an elleth. She is not going to like hearing she made a mistake. I think you will just make matters worse!”
That is hilarious!
That ending certainly demands a fast update!
This is a great story, Jay!
Author's reply
I love writing these exchanges between the twins - some of the scenes just seem to write themselves, especially the 'are you still speaking to me' part. They understand each other better than they understand themselves sometimes, but still want to be recognised as individuals.
And I made you laugh in a public place? I hope it wasn't too embarrassing - or too public. I don't think Elladan has made himself too popular with his insight on females - but he can learn.
Thanks for the review.
pipinheart
· 10 August 2005
· Chapter 2: Getting Worse
Very nice...Poor Elrohir, he really likes that girl and she thinks he and his brother were teasing her.
It looks like someone is getting a surprise in the morning...Nice job...
Author's reply
There are going to be quite a few shocks in store before long, and more than a few people are going to regret their actions. Thanks for reading!
Creashuns
· 10 August 2005
· Chapter 2: Getting Worse
Well yes, that would be a worse day...er, night.
Lemme guess she is going to cut his hair so that they can finally appear different to the lesser observant.
Poor Elrohir....You can't get a very attractive hair cut while lying down, LOL.
I just hope eventually Lindella get's what is due to her for being so hot-headed AND for taking her 'revenge' into her own hands on the Lord of Imladris's Son.......
Delightful fic, thanks for sharing it with us!
Creashuns
Author's reply
Well, you're half right in your guesses. I'm not saying which half! I'm glad you're enjoying this - it's great fun to write.
daw the minstrel
· 9 August 2005
· Chapter 2: Getting Worse
What? What was that ending?
Ok. I'm going to back up now. I beg to differ with Elladan. Females are NOT less rational than males, and Elrohir's lady friend will listen if he persists. She'll be flattered!
Author's reply
Well, yes, I don't mean to do our entire sex a disservice. This was Elladan's POV, and he is not the silver-tongued elf his brother (usually) is when it comes to females!
The ending? Just wait.
daw the minstrel
· 9 August 2005
· Chapter 1: A Bad Day
I just got back into town and was happy to find a new story, Jay. Poor Elrohir. I can see how maddening the situation would be.
Author's reply
I feel sorry for the twins at times. They've never doubted they love one another, but they must yearn to be individuals as well - and to be seen by others as such.
Kitty
· 9 August 2005
· Chapter 2: Getting Worse
I am glad the twins made up with each other. It was nice how Elrohir helped his brother in the end with his task.
But the end ... on first sight a quite bad cliffhanger. But I can't imagine someone creep into Imladris and in the Last Homely House without being noticed, and I doubt someone in the household would murder or even hurt the twins. So I suppose one of the girls is about to resolve the problem of looking alike with a haircut ...? I wonder who is the intruder, and more important, the victim?
Author's reply
Yes, the twins made up. I think they may have had frequent arguments, but always knew they would 'be there' for each other when necessary.
You make a good point about the intruder - she can't be a stranger, so who is she? And what is she going to do? And who to? (I sound like an owl ...)
Bodkin
· 9 August 2005
· Chapter 2: Getting Worse
Poor Elrohir! Shouldn't Sweeney Todd here be targeting the other twin? He's been the one causing the trouble! Still, Elrohir is probably less likely to murder the perpetrator. Probably.
I'm glad he made it up with Elladan, though. And this - I wish that people would look at us when they speak to us, and see the differences, not the similarities - really made me feel sorry for the Brothers Beautiful.
Although long experience, both as a child and a mother, leads me to be aware that running through the names of everyone in the household before coming up with the right one doesn't mean you aren't perfectly well aware of who's who. It's just a mouth thing. The twins should just be thankful Celebrian hasn't called either of them Arwen yet.
Author's reply
Sweeney Todd? LOL! Well guessed. But who is the target - and who is the demon barber?
While I think that the twins are alike in many ways, there are also clear differences in their likes and dislikes, and in their individual skills and strengths. Most people don't see further than skin deep, though.
And the name thing - what makes you so sure they haven't been called Arwen? I was called by my brother's name on occasion when we were children!
eliza
· 9 August 2005
· Chapter 2: Getting Worse
Aaahhhhh!!! You cannot possible be so cruel as to leave me with this cliff hanger. I really like this story (as well as all your others). I like how you have written the twins, Elrohirs pain and confusion comes thru and makes one empathise with him. Now who's getting stabbed and who's doing the stabbing?
Unitl next time,
Eliza
Author's reply
Who indeed? Neither assailant nor victim are named.
You should know me by now - I like cliff hangers, I like the twins, and I won't do lasting damage to either of them here.
Lianna
· 8 August 2005
· Chapter 2: Getting Worse
I may be totally misinterpreting the tone of this story, and perhaps something truly dreadful is about to happen, but somehow I think that the most likely outcome of this cliffhanger is that someone is about to undergo a haircut.
I will be suitably embarrassed if I am proven wrong.
Please update soon.
Author's reply
As I've aimed more for humour than angst in the story, you could be right. Someone is going to be embarrassed, though!
French Pony
· 8 August 2005
· Chapter 2: Getting Worse
Shades of Mrs. Brewster, there's an unstable elleth running around Imladris! For some reason, I have a sneaking suspicion that it's Arwen, though, come to play a prank on her brothers.
But Lindella does not seem to be a happy camper, either. Love makes people do weird things, I guess. I'm glad that I don't love.
And I'm glad that the twins have kissed and made up. I'm sure it really bugs them when they have a fight, more than when they're angry with other people. And I can well imagine that each of them has flirted with the idea of not wanting to be a twin. so it's nothing to be ashamed of.
Author's reply
Mrs Brewster? Who's she?
You're right, Lindella isn't happy with Elrohir. At the moment he doesn't realise that the reason she's upset is because she cares about him. But what is happening now?
I think that although the twins would have frequently been fed up with always being 'ElladanandElrohir' and would have had several arguments and fallings-out, they wouldn't be happy until they made up again.