A Lesser Treason by Jay of Lasgalen
Larner · 30 November 2005 · Chapter 2: Love Grows Bitter
Sanity wins, as does love. And, yes, Elrohir needs to tell his father just how deadly he has found the Ring to be. I certainly wouldn't want to be around the thing!
Author's reply
Yes, thankfully, Elrohir's own sense prevailed. But Elrond needs to be warned - as do the members of the Fellowship (though we know Boromir won't listen ...)
shirebound · 30 November 2005 · Chapter 2: Love Grows Bitter
What a frightening and humbling experience for Elrohir, one he'll never forget. This whole scene (and his inner turmoil) was beautifully done.
Author's reply
Elrohir probably thought that only the weak-minded could be swayed by the Ring, and that it would never happen to him. He feels guilty, too, for wanting what the Ring showed him at all. Glad you like this!
daw the minstrel · 30 November 2005 · Chapter 2: Love Grows Bitter
Elrohir is very brave to tell other people about his temptation. He doesn't hide it away. I suppose that's a sign that deep down, he trusts his father and brother.
Author's reply
I think that even in his current Ring-induced depression and despair, Elrohir knows he can't really hope to hide anything from Elladan. And he still has enough integrity and honour to know that Elrond must be warned that the Ring is still hard at work, despite the consequences he expects.
Daynawayna · 28 November 2005 · Chapter 1: The Wrong Deed For The Right Reason
Yikes! No-touchie the hobbit! Very good first chapter, Jay. I love your stories and can't wait to see where this one ends up! :)
Author's reply
Hopefully Elrohir won't kill the hobbit either :) I'm glad you're enjoying this. Who would have thought that the Ring would prey on Elrohir like this?
elliska · 25 November 2005 · Chapter 1: The Wrong Deed For The Right Reason
Ooo! Sorry to be so behind in reading and reviewing but this was great to find waiting for me! I love stories that explore the affect the Ring had on various people and I don't think I have ever seen one that focused on the twins. Coming from you, this will be great and it certainly has started out so. Looking forward to more!
Author's reply
The Ring was in Imladris for about two months, and I think it would have preyed on the minds of those around it during that time. Who's to say that Elrohir is the only one affected? And what will it do to him? Thanks for the review!
Larner · 23 November 2005 · Chapter 1: The Wrong Deed For The Right Reason
Ah, It seeks another victim, does It? Beware, Elrohir--beware! Excellent image of the lure the Ring might have taken.
Author's reply
:( Poor Elrohir. He's in trouble here. He wouldn't have been tempted by power or glory - but a way for his sister to retain her immortality? For Imladris never to fade? You can see he'd be tempted :(
periantari · 22 November 2005 · Chapter 1: The Wrong Deed For The Right Reason
As others have said, this is a very intriguing idea~ I really like your description of Elrohir's feelings and his feelings of inferiority to Elladan and his great desire to make everyone proud of him by doing great deeds. I can't wait for more! You left us quite a cliff-hanger. :) Good job in this~ =)
Author's reply
Cliff-hangers are good!! :) When I first had the idea for this story, Elrohir's petty jealousies of Elladan -jealousies he hasn't even thought about for years - were an important part of it, though I don't think he wants glory and pride. He just wants his family to be safe :( Thanks for the review!
Danina · 21 November 2005 · Chapter 1: The Wrong Deed For The Right Reason
Oooooooooooooooooh. This is very intriguing, whether it goes AU (i.e, he DOES it) or not. A great exploration of what one of Elrond's sons might have gone through...and the way the Ring could appeal most especially to someone who KNEW who bore the Three. This conflict between Elrond's duty as steward of Vilya and of Middle-Earth and Elrohir's desire -- so simple, so understandable! -- to keep his home and regain his mother. And you started with "Murder In The Cathedral"!! Squee!!
Author's reply
Thanks! I thought it was an interesting idea to explore, especially as I've not seen anyone else consider it. I think the Ring could find a way to make anyone vulnerable to it - poor Elrohir's not immune. Vilya, and Elrohir's suppressed thoughts about his father's possession of that ring, adds an intrguing dimension. Glad you liked the quote, too - it was just right for this story.
Lianna · 21 November 2005 · Chapter 1: The Wrong Deed For The Right Reason
When I first saw the Fellowship of the Ring movie (I had not read the LOTR books at that time), I expected that after Boromir, other members of the Fellowship would be tempted by the Ring, one by one, each in his own way. Of course, I know now that Tolkien chose a different storyline. But it's interesting to think about the effect that the Ring could have on various people in Tolkien's universe. I wouldn't have thought of Elrohir as a likely victim of Ring lust, but why not? I'm sure that the Ring could find a personalized way to appeal to anyone. Now I'm wondering whether Elrohir will overcome this on his own or whether someone else -- perhaps someone with more knowledge of Rings of Power -- will intervene.
Author's reply
The temptation of the Ring is an issue I would have liked to see Tolkien explore a little more. Apart from Gollum, we only see glimpses (with Bilbo and Galadriel) of what the Ring could have done to other characters. I don't think of Elrohir as a likely victim either - which is why he was so totally unprepared. He didn't expect it. Now, what will happen next?
Dreamflower · 20 November 2005 · Chapter 1: The Wrong Deed For The Right Reason
Oh this is so intriguing! I'd not considered Elrohir as being tempted--but he'd certainly be as much a target as anyone else. I have to say that the sorts of temptations the Ring is offering would be dreadfully hard to overcome. Not that I doubt he will--after all you did not say this was AU. And I love the use of the quote, and the way you reversed it--beautiful, absolutely.
Author's reply
No, it's not AU - after all, do you really think I could write evil!Elrohir? I don't think an elf like Elrohir would be in the least tempted by power or glory - but a way to keep his family safe, to preserve his home - that would be the way to lure him in. Clever Ring. Glad you liked the quotation - it was one I looked up, and it seemed perfect.
Dot · 20 November 2005 · Chapter 1: The Wrong Deed For The Right Reason
Wow. This is very atmospheric. And such an interesting premise too. You really captured the sense of Elrohir’s restlessness as events move inexorably forward around him, and of the innate peace of Imladris being disturbed as it never has before. His fears and regrets are very understandable but there’s a sense of despair in him that tells us that this is more than just his own thoughts. It was both fascinating and frightening to see how the ring works on Elrohir’s mind, playing on his doubts enough to separate him from his family, from his brother, and bringing him here to Frodo. It manages to suggest such awful things about his father and uses the one thing that must still haunt him – his mother’s torment, and yet at the same time uses his deep love for his family and his home to tempt him. Elrohir already knows what Vilya alone can do so how tempting it must be to think of what the One Ring can do together with Vilya. Very clever. You’ve made this scarily believable. The last paragraph is just chilling. I very much look forward to seeing where you go with this.
Author's reply
While planning this chapter, I decided that Elrohir's strengths would be his love for his brother, his father, his sister - but the Ring, of course, managed to change them into weaknessess. It started him wondering 'what if ...', and questioning his father's wisdom :( You’ve made this scarily believable. Thank you! It's what I wanted you to feel.
VIcki_Turner · 20 November 2005 · Chapter 1: The Wrong Deed For The Right Reason
OMGoodness! This is an amazing story and i'm extremely interested in seeing how its gonna play out!
Author's reply
Thanks! The next part has about two pages written so far - I want to know how it ends too!
Rose Sared · 20 November 2005 · Chapter 1: The Wrong Deed For The Right Reason
Oh, I do hate that ring and its whispering. Image how guilty he is going to feel for even considering such things - bah. Great writing Jay. Rose
Author's reply
Yes, poor Elrohir - when he comes to his senses (and he will, of course) he'll feel really bad about this :( He never imagined that the Ring could affect *him*.
Alice · 20 November 2005 · Chapter 1: The Wrong Deed For The Right Reason
Okay, now that cliff hanger was just mean. Very interesting story though.
Author's reply
:) I like cliffhangers. Regular readers know that :) Glad you liked this!!
Kitty · 20 November 2005 · Chapter 1: The Wrong Deed For The Right Reason
Uh oh - that is quite alarming! These thoughts are certainly not like Elrohir - he is obviously not aware the ring tries to seduce him! Now I am truly worried what will happen, although I can't imagine Elrohir would kill or even truly harm Frodo! Please update soon!!
Author's reply
Originally I put a mention about the Ring in the summary, but then deleted it, because Elrohir was not aware of what it was doing to him. You think I can't do Evil!Elrohir? *Sigh* You could be right ...
Mirkwoodmaiden · 20 November 2005 · Chapter 1: The Wrong Deed For The Right Reason
Jay! This first chapter displays a storyline I have not explored in any great depth but really interested to see how it is played out! You portray the One ring's effect on Elrohir so well. Even Elves were affected by its power. I've always pondered how bittersweet victory would be for Elrond, but seeing it stretched to Elrohir even though the effect of the One Ring will be interesting to read about! Thanks! MM
Author's reply
I think the Ring would try to seduce anyone who came within its range, especially if it thought it could use them. Elrohir was vulnerable because of his love for his family - they would lose so much :(
French Pony · 20 November 2005 · Chapter 1: The Wrong Deed For The Right Reason
Not a good situation for Frodo here. Or Elrohir, for that matter. They're both going to have lots of 'splaining to do after this one, though Elrohir will probably spend most of his time beating himself up. But one can see how he would have been sorely tempted. It looks like this is the first time he's ever really experienced the force of a Ring of Power up close and personal, and it's probably the reason that he and his brother didn't go along on the Quest. Legolas at least has had the advantage of having grown up in a more brutalized neighborhood and might not feel that he has as much to lose to Sauron.
Author's reply
It's not good for either of them - but you're right that Elrohir is going to feel worst about the whole situation. How could *he*, a son of Elrond, think such things? Your reasoning why E2 didn't go on the quest is interesting - why did Elrond choose Legolas, and not his own sons?
daw the minstrel · 20 November 2005 · Chapter 1: The Wrong Deed For The Right Reason
It's interesting to think about how the One Ring would have worked even in Imladris. Here's Elrohir in a vulnerable moment, and here's the Ring, whispering to him. I can see the temptation.
Author's reply
The Ring wouldn't think a hobbit could help it much - an elf would be far more powerful, if only it could subvert one ... it will use Elrohir's weaknesses - and even his strengths - to achieve what it wants.
Bodkin · 20 November 2005 · Chapter 1: The Wrong Deed For The Right Reason
Poor Elrohir - that stinky ring has definitely been whispering to him and getting him all het up. And now it's yelling in his ear and playing on all his most sensitive spots. I hope he comes to himself and tells it to . . . go and do something else, before he goes and does anything awful. Very clever how it has picked up on every little irritation and magnified each from molehill to mountain.
Author's reply
Oh yes - it's the Ring that has made him feel so uneasy in his own home in the first place ... Now it's finding all his weakest points and using them against him :( I think that's how the Ring worked best - it used Gollum's greed, Boromir's pride, and now Elrohir's love for his family :(
shirebound · 20 November 2005 · Chapter 1: The Wrong Deed For The Right Reason
What a chilling look at how the Ring might have subtly influenced even the noble and enduring Elves of Imladris. (I tried to explore this a bit in the last chapter of my own story, "Mind to Mind", and find the subject a fascinating one to contemplate.) I'm so curious to see what transpires, and what insights and strengths Elrohir gains from this experience.
Author's reply
I remember 'Mind To Mind' - I really liked that story! I think the only way the Ring could have influenced the Elves is by playing on their nobility and innate goodness - they don't want power and glory. Poor Elrohir has been taken in by its whisperings :(