Reviews (45)

Periantari · 23 July 2006 · Chapter 3: The Unexpected Moment

I really like this story and am glad that i remembered to go back to it. It's interesting what images Elrohir saw for himself had he taken the Ring. This last chapter was very interesting to see Elrond's point of view about it and i love the dialogue that you have regarding whether or not it was Elrohir's own will that prevented him from taking the Ring. Also, mentioning other Fellowship members and whether or not the RIng would be talking to them during the journey South is interesting indeed. Perhaps you can write a story regarding how the Ring lures LEgolas? =) Great story. I really like it...and i rarely read Elf stories too. :) I really like your Elrohir.

daw the minstrel · 8 January 2006 · Chapter 3: The Unexpected Moment

It must have been very difficult for Elrohir to confess this. It was over, after all. But he was brave to see that others needed to know of the ring's power. Great ending, Jay.

Bodkin · 31 December 2005 · Chapter 3: The Unexpected Moment

Good for Elrond! He knew just the right questions to ask to make the key point apparent - Elrohir had heard the Ring, been tempted and rejected it. Which requires far more strength than not being tempted at all. But they must all have been desperately worried about sending it off with a load of temptable people in the Fellowship. It gives a whole new meaning to sending Merry and Pippin - representatives of a race that had been seen to stand up to it far better than the more powerful. And Gimli's race seems relatively indifferent to Ring-power - but that leaves two men, an elf and a wizard who could fall for its wiles. And - oh dear! 'this would likely be the last time the five of them would ever be gathered together'. When you think how extremely unlikely success would have seemed - and how Arwen must have known that the four males with her were quite likely to fall in battle before the end... and that they knew that their improbably success would mean her eventual death. Very sad. But Elrond's family is very good at seeing the tragic outcomes - and doing what they must anyway.

Nilmandra · 30 December 2005 · Chapter 3: The Unexpected Moment

I was glad to see Elrond talk Elrohir through the difference between overcoming temptation vs falling to it. All are tempted; it is how one responds that is important. I am sure Mithrandir, Aragorn and Elrond, perhaps even Glorfindel at the Fords, were wall tempted as well. Preparing themselves for the moment, but I liked the verse that suggest that knowing it is coming does not make its arrival expected.

Kitty · 30 December 2005 · Chapter 3: The Unexpected Moment

Very good - Elrond reacted as I had hoped! And he saw at once what Elrohir obviously didn’t – the one important point was that Elrohir refused the lure of the Ring at his own free will and not because Sam interrupted him. I am very glad Elrond was able to convince Elrohir of this and to relieve him of his feelings of guilt. My respect for Elrond has risen even more after the way he handled this. He was right, Elrohir fought a battle and won it. That was a very interesting and fascinating plot bunny! A Happy, Healthy and Prosperous New Year to you!

Lianna · 30 December 2005 · Chapter 3: The Unexpected Moment

That was great. Elrond is so wise, yet he knows that even he has more to learn -- thus, his questions to Elrohir about the ring's strategy. And I loved the analysis of how the Ring might tempt other members of the Fellowship. How difficult it must have been for Elrond to realize that diplomatic considerations required the inclusion of a Dwarf, yet any Dwarf who might go would be a mostly unknown quantity. And I can see how the Ring could tempt Legolas; indeed, he might have been second most vulnerable after Boromir. I suspect, though, that after all that discussion, Elrond would feel like punching a hole in the wall in frustration if he could overhear his son's thoughts at the end of the story. When Elrohir says that he "would not fail again," he seems to still be thinking that he did indeed fail this time. But didn't Elrond just spend much time and many words trying to convince him otherwise?

Dreamflower · 29 December 2005 · Chapter 3: The Unexpected Moment

Very well done! Elrohir is strengthened now by his trial and resistance; he has faced his fears and hopes, and sorted out the truths and the lies. It was good that his father and brother were able to help his over his initial shock and revulsion at what he had been tempted to do. That is something many people fail to realize: that being tempted is not the same as falling. They are so repulsed by the image of what they are thinking of, that they fail to realize their strength in resisting, and feel guilty for things they never did. An excellent and insightful story.

pipinheart · 29 December 2005 · Chapter 3: The Unexpected Moment

Lovely... Elrohir told of what occured and his spirit was lifted in this trial he overcame. His father said he endured a battle and great courage and he did... Perhaps this will make him stronger person.... Loved it!!!

TithenFeredir · 29 December 2005 · Chapter 3: The Unexpected Moment

I think the thing I liked best about this chapter was the idea that if Elrond had forced healing on Celebrian, she would have been compliant but empty. In Tolkien's world there is no silver bullet, no easy way to achieve real good. It always requires some sort of sacrifice. That the ring had actually maneuvered Frodo and Elrohir to meet in secluded spot with a convenient cliff was quite chilling. You really created a strong impression of the ring as insidious, unrelenting evil. Thank goodness you ended it on a warmer note, with friends gathered together and the twins reconciled. Thanks for a good read! ~TF

pipinheart · 29 December 2005 · Chapter 2: Love Grows Bitter

You can feel the pain Elrohir feels as Elladan judges how he should have acted with the ring. He dosen't understand and that pain hurts Elrohir deeper. Elladan should have been more supported no matter what he felt. And then thinking your father would condeme you as well has to hurt...

pipinheart · 29 December 2005 · Chapter 2: Love Grows Bitter

pipinheart · 29 December 2005 · Chapter 1: The Wrong Deed For The Right Reason

You have to feel sorry for Elrohir, he is troubled, and wished things could have been different. Those voices aren't a good sighn, some evil I think is trying to influence him to do something he shouldn't...He should trust his father... Nice job...Love it..

French Pony · 29 December 2005 · Chapter 3: The Unexpected Moment

Great ending. I don't have time to write more, but I did want to let you know I had read and enjoyed it.

shirebound · 29 December 2005 · Chapter 3: The Unexpected Moment

“The enemy baited its trap, set an ambush, then attacked you,” Elrond continued "It showed me such a mixture of truth and lies that I no longer knew what was real.” What a fascinating chapter, and story. I like how Elrond used Elrohir's experience to learn everything he could about the way the Ring worked... and how they evaluated each member of the Fellowship in terms of how this "enemy" might attack them. Wonderful.

FirstMate · 19 December 2005 · Chapter 2: Love Grows Bitter

What a wonderful idea for a story! It's one thing to say "Yeah, the rings try to corrupt people" but it's another to actually get into the mind of someone who's struggling against it. And you do such a marvelous job of describing the internal battle Elrohir wages. It's really kind of unsettling to imagine what kind of things the ring picks up on--all the little petty disagreements, the hurt feelings, the irritations that one faces in life. It could grab onto any of those, magnify their significance, and then...you're trapped. I sure am glad there isn't some nasty ring going around in our world...I don't believe I'd want to see what weakness of mine it would choose to exploit! Anyway, I think it took a lot of strength for Elrohir to overcome its pull and I hope Elrond helps him see that. Fabulous story so far!!

Dot · 8 December 2005 · Chapter 2: Love Grows Bitter

You really are doing a great job in showing the effect that the Ring has on Elrohir – the internal battle is quite horrifying and you create a very dizzying sense of the images rushing through his mind - and I like that you show its strength in the physical effect on him too. I thought his simple “No” when he makes the choice is very effective. It’s such a pity that he doesn’t realise that this shows how much strength and goodness is in him. Frodo’s trust in Elrohir and concern for him is a nice touch. It makes it all the more unsettling. Elladan’s reaction was done very well. He is calm and a little concerned at first but then explodes – and there seems to be an element of fear in that as well as anger and disbelief. If it can come so close to corrupting his twin, Elladan must wonder about himself, and about those with less willpower. It’s hard to see Elrohir so full of despair and self-loathing. Elladan didn’t really reject him; these thoughts must still be a remnant of the Ring’s effect. I’m glad Elladan shows his support so obviously at the end – hopefully that will ease some of Elrohir’s doubt. And yes, Elrond does need to be told. I think he might be a little saddened but while most people probably like to think they can resist the Ring, he has the wisdom to know that complacency is dangerous. I hope he can persuade his son that in his resistance he showed tremendous courage and strength – that he does not need to feel guilt or shame. This is great :-)

elliska · 1 December 2005 · Chapter 2: Love Grows Bitter

Poor Elrohir. I imagine that would be a very frightening experience and one that would be difficult for him to understand or forgive himself for. I think Elrnod might have a bit more of an idea of what the power of the Ring is like and I hope he can help both the twins. I love this sort of story though--seeing the reactions of the characters and especially to something like this. I am really enjoying this.

Tithen Feredir · 1 December 2005 · Chapter 2: Love Grows Bitter

Elrohir's horror at his dark thoughts and what he almost did was heartwrenching. The ring twisted his thoughts to things so completely at odds to his true self. It had to be terrifying to almost lose himself to ultimate evil. Elladan's dismay was understandable, but it's good that he overcame it in the end because his brother really needs his support. I'm afraid Elrohir's present self-loathing is just another opening the ring can exploit. I think the hobbits, with their guileless sweetness, created a contrast that made Elrohir's near-seduction all the more scary. Good story! ~TF

TithenFeredir · 1 December 2005 · Chapter 1: The Wrong Deed For The Right Reason

The thing that struck me immediately about Elrohir's musings was that they seemed uncharacteristic. Elves are not perfect, but they are described as growing wiser and fairer over time- you would think that little things like who was born first would be completely insignificant by that point in Elrohir's life and the greater issues of family, home and the fate of the world would have already been pondered at length such that much of the anguish and second-guessing would already be at least addressed if not resolved. The way you describe it, the ring must have begun its seduction the moment he set foot in Imladris and at the time of the events in this chapter Elrohir is as yet unaware that his thoughts have been significantly influenced. Then he comes into close proximity with Frodo and the whispering begins. It is so insidious and chilling. Somehow it seems more of a perversion for an elf to be affected that way than a man. It certainly magnifies the impression of what a dangerous relic the ring is and how remarkable it is that Frodo is not so quickly affected by it. *shudder* ~TF

Lianna · 1 December 2005 · Chapter 2: Love Grows Bitter

Poor Elrohir! I hope he realizes soon that the important thing is not that he was tempted, but that he resisted. And I hope Elladan realizes it, too. Somehow, I think Elrond already knows. This a really good story idea. I'm looking forward to the next chapter.

Bodkin · 1 December 2005 · Chapter 2: Love Grows Bitter

Come on, Elladan. If you think it is easy to withstand the beguiling of the Ring, it's because it hasn't tried you yet. As I suspect Elrond will know. Even though Elrohir is going to be beating himself up over this for the rest of time. It will take Elrond to help him see that knowing evil and rejecting it takes even more strength than living in ignorance of it. Poor Elrohir. I'm looking forward to more. Soon, please!

French Pony · 1 December 2005 · Chapter 2: Love Grows Bitter

Here one can see just how insidiously evil the Ring really is. Not only does it tempt Elrohir with really disturbing images that manage to horrify and attract him at the same time, it leaves him feeling horrible and guilt-stricken in a way that very few people will appreciate, witness Elladan's reaction. I have a feeling that Elrond will be much more merciful than Elrohir expects, but that can't be great comfort to him at the moment. I'm glad he's got Elladan at his back.

Kitty · 1 December 2005 · Chapter 2: Love Grows Bitter

Poor Elrohir, that was a terrible experience! I hope he doesn't suffer too much from it - after all, he resisted the temptation of the ring and without someone interfering! And after Frodo didn't notice it at all, he could have kept it secret, but was honest enough to tell Elladan and now goes to tell his father, in spite of his fear of their rejection. I hope he can see that that is much more important than his short temptation - he was strong enough to resist! I hope Elrond thinks so, too, and can convince him of this. Although I wouldn't be surprised if Elrohir will be harder with himself than the others.

Nilmandra · 30 November 2005 · Chapter 2: Love Grows Bitter

Sorry I missed this earlier. It is interesting to think about what temptation there might have been for others in Imladris. The Ring would wish to be wielded by powerful people.. and that would likely include the sons of Elrond, especially if It couldn't have Elrond. I am very curious to see Elrond's reaction to this whole thing.

Dreamflower · 30 November 2005 · Chapter 2: Love Grows Bitter

Oh my! I hope that Elrohir will be able to figure out that it was not his brief instant of listening, but his *rejection* that counts. Keeping on telling himself "It had not happened" is good, but he also needs to *believe* that is what counts. I hope his father can convince him. This is excellent--I look forward to seeing Elrond's reaction...