Laureleaf
· 17 April 2006
· Chapter 6: Die Another Day
Loved your story! I'm new to SOA, but this has me looking for your other stories as well! I bet you could turn out a funny bit about all the various ways Elladan would have to help Elrohir during his quick recovery!
Author's reply
Welcome! It's always good to hear from a new reviewer, and I just replied to your review for Pits of Utumno as well.
You can just imagine how much help poor Elrohir would need with his hands bandaged. I think Elladan is the only person he'd trust at a time like this :>)
BlueEyedElf
· 14 April 2006
· Chapter 6: Die Another Day
I seem to have forgotten to review the last couple of chapters. Sorry about that. I have been reading and enjoying even if I forgot to review.
Poor Elladan. I felt so sorry for him when he thought Elrohir had ignored his warning. I'm glad they had a talk and got all their feelings sorted out.
I loved the new foal's name. That was a very cool touch.
Also, I loved how Aradan finally seemed to accept Elrohir as just another elf who cares as much about the horses as he does. I think they will be good friends from now on. Aradan needed to see that Elrohir doesn't look down on anyone because of his position.
I really enjoyed this story and look forward to future ones. I have read all of your stories and you never disappoint. Each one is filled with chills, thrills and nail-biting cliffhangers. Thank you for hours of reading pleasure.
Author's reply
:>) Thank you!
I think the twins would sometimes have disagreements and misunderstandings - but they would always talk, and make up. I can't see them fretting or falling out for long.
Aradan doesn't have a problem with Elrohir particularly - he just doesn't like anyone! He actually respects Elrohir more than most, because of the horses.
Vendetta
· 12 April 2006
· Chapter 6: Die Another Day
Great ending. I can't wait for the next story. I especially like the foal's name. It seems like both a legacy and a warning. The bond between Elladan and Elrohir is so deep it makes you wonder what kind of bond Elrond and Elros had. I could never imagine them making the same decision Elrond and Elros did. Have you ever covered that in one of your stories? If so I must have missed it.
Author's reply
I've not written about Elrond and Elros' choice, but there's a drabble somewhere about their last meeting, when Elros dies. Maybe one day I'll write more. I can't imagine Elladan and Elrohir parting like that, though. They'll stay together (though I did write an AU drabble, 'A Final Farewell', about them making different choices. I warn you, it's sad.)
Bodkin
· 12 April 2006
· Chapter 6: Die Another Day
Typical post-crisis anger from Elladan - but with a deeper edge. He thinks Elrohir doesn't take his visions seriously? I'm glad he had to acknowledge in the end that there was nothing else his brother could have done - and that he would have done exactly the same thing, even knowing the danger.
Elrohir's response - once he woke - was just perfect. He didn't wait for Elladan to say what was stressing him out, but instinctively countered all his arguments - and thanked him for the warning that saved Elrohir, Aradan and the last horses. And explained how it had saved them. Elladan will feel a lot better.
I like the way Elrohir sends healer expertise off to help the horses. It's no wonder that Aradan respects him more than any other lord! He shares the same priorities.
Mind you, he needs that bath and change of clothes before he goes off to see the foal. Good thing elven healing is getting to work on the burns, even if it will take a while for them to be properly healed. And a good thing he has a brother to wash his hair for him while he keeps his injuries dry.
A most enjoyable tale. I'm sorry it's over. More stories soon? I hope you have lots of plots piled up waiting for you to write them.
Author's reply
Elladan's had the night to think about Elrohir's actions - and the dawn has worked its healing magic on him, as well. He knows his twin, and knows that neither of them would stand back while others were in danger. They were raised with too much honour and integrity for that. Elrohir too, now he's not exhausted and in pain, can sense what's bothering his brother, and can reassure him. He'll need Elladan's help over the next few days, and that will help their understanding too.
There are lots more ideas brewing - I just need time to write them!
pipinheart
· 12 April 2006
· Chapter 6: Die Another Day
Great! I am glad Elrohir didn't burn his hands too bad though I can understand his brothers anger. And at least finally Elladan realizes that his visions isn't always a curse, because sometimes you can prevent it, though it was a close one....
Nice, didn't want it to end!!
Author's reply
Thanks! Elrohir's burns are painful, but not serious - but it means that he has to rely on Elladan's help for a while, which will help mend their bond.
Not only has Elladan has finally realised that his visions can be useful, he knows that Elrohir trusts him - and that it saved his brother's life.
Kitty
· 11 April 2006
· Chapter 6: Die Another Day
Our dear Elladan was obviously not in the best of moods, thinking Elrohir didn’t trust him. Though I can see why he thought it, it wasn’t true, and I am glad in the end he saw reason and had to admit he would’ve done exactly the same, no matter the risk. Well, what Elrohir told him the next morning was exact what Elladan needed to hear. He needed the surety to know these visions aren’t always only bad, I think. Sometimes they must be a heavy burden for him, and knowing they helped to save Elrohir, Aradan and the horses may help to ease this burden a bit.
The foal is named very fitting after all that happened around his birth!
Author's reply
The whole of this story was about Elladan's visions, and the fact that he can't rely on them. He's still hurt though, when he thinks Elrohir doesn't believe him. To learn that Elrohir trusts him completely, and acts on what Elladan's seen, despite the danger to himself - it will help a lot.
Larner
· 11 April 2006
· Chapter 5: Tomorrow Is Today's Dream
Somehow I'd missed this chapter.
The drama of the escape was well written from the POV of each of the twins, and am glad Elrohir realized he could slow the fall of the roof by his actions. And of COURSE the horses would realize at last their foolishness and escape as if it had been their thought all along! Foolish beasts!
Lovely, lovely.
Larner
· 11 April 2006
· Chapter 6: Die Another Day
A wonderful ending, and definitely the proper name for the foal.
An excellent tale and well written. It's been a pleasure, Jay.
Author's reply
I thought the foal's name was appropriate. The poor little thing had a rather traumatic start to life, but he's recovered well.
I've enjoyed writing this. Thank you. Now on to the next story!
Dreamflower
· 11 April 2006
· Chapter 6: Die Another Day
A very nice and fitting ending, with Elladan learning that *yes* his brother not only had trusted his vision, but had acted upon it, and saved lives in the process.
I've enjoyed this story very much!
Author's reply
I'm glad you enjoyed this. Elladan doubted the uncertainty of his visions so much - but now he knows that they can save lives. Elrohir trusts him; Elladan needs to trust himself.
daw the minstrel
· 11 April 2006
· Chapter 6: Die Another Day
Nice wrap up, Jay. It hadn't occurred to me that Elladan might feel ignored. Burns hurt though. Elrohir is lucky elves heal quickly. And now there's the foal to greet. How lovely!
Author's reply
Elladan should have realised that Elrohir would never ignore him. He just wasn't thinking clearly after seeing the stable roof collapse with Elrohir still inside.
Elrohir's burns aren't serious, but they do hurt. He'll need Elladan's help with his bath, and that will heal the rift between them. And a new foal will bring hope after this disaster!
Ellie
· 11 April 2006
· Chapter 6: Die Another Day
Excellent ending to an excellent story! I'm glad Elrohir and Elladan have worked out Elladan's anger. It's really wonderful how much they care about each other. I also think it is terribly amusing that Elrohir and the the groom were still so worried about the horses while they were being treated for their own injuries and that they were so excited about the foal eating well the next morning. I love your stories. Can't wait to read the next one! Keep up the good work!
Author's reply
Thank you! Elladan's anger was only because he was so worried. If he'd been thinking clearly, of course he'd have realised that Elrohir couldn't stand back and do nothing. He had no choice about going in - especially as he had to save the horses.
pipinheart
· 10 March 2006
· Chapter 5: Tomorrow Is Today's Dream
Elrohir was lucky to get themot of the burning barn, and lucky thier was an axe too, i wonder who put the axe there....
Finally the horses are smart to leave...
Elladan was scared and upset with his brother...
It seeems he is in good hands though...
Please continue...
Author's reply
Yes, they all got out in the end, without too much damage. Elladan will have a few words to say to his brother, though!
Bodkin
· 9 March 2006
· Chapter 5: Tomorrow Is Today's Dream
Athela is a very good healer! Get those two elves into cool baths and check them over for damage. I hope there are other sensible horse people around too - as it seems that the two best elven vets are hors de combat.
I'm not surprised that Elladan was angry - prime reaction to crisis avoided. But at least his vision made his brother employ the ladder manoeuvre - which gave them time to escape. (Love the forester hacking his way through the wall - with a belated 'my lord'. I suspect manners were the last thing on Elladan's mind at the time.)
Very dramatic and exciting! Looking forward to more.
Author's reply
Athela has cropped up once or twice before. She knows Elrohir, and won't stand any nonsense from him! Cold water, fresh air, and dressings on the burns - there's not much more anyone can do.
Elladan's anger was a natural reaction to his fear, but also partly because he thought Elrohir had ignored his warning. They need to talk. Glad you liked the forester! I like to lighten the angst with a smidgeon of humour.
'the two best elven vets are hors de combat' Should that be horse de combat??
lwarren
· 7 March 2006
· Chapter 5: Tomorrow Is Today's Dream
Whew!! I was really hoping everyone (elf and horse) would escape! I was very concerned about Aradan and the stubborn horses! I was relieved to see everyone get out relatively unscathed - tho' Elrohir's hands sound very painful! And that silly horse suddenly giving in and following her stable mate out like she had intended to all along! LOL Anyway, you did and excellent job with Elladan's reaction - fear-despair-hope-joy-anger - he ran the whole gamut of emotions in the space of minutes, poor elf! Great chapter, Jay!
Linda
Author's reply
Elrohir's hands are the worst of his injuries - painful, but not serious.
I'm glad you liked Elladan's reaction - I tried to imagine how he would feel, and it seemed natural for him to respond with anger at the end. Poor Elrohir!
And the horse - that was fun to write! Awkward creature! :>)
Kitty
· 7 March 2006
· Chapter 5: Tomorrow Is Today's Dream
Oh Jay, *finally* you’ve got Elrohir out of there, and Aradan and the horses as well! I am so relieved!
Well, it seems for once Elladan’s visions proved useful. He may not have been able to prevent Elrohir from entering the stables, but at least his knowledge enabled Elrohir to do the right thing, what probably saved their lives. And the second vision helped Elladan to find the place where his in the burning stable trapped brother tried to break through the wall.
It was so typical of Elrohir to think more of the others than of himself – first as the roof collapsed and he thought he would die, and then as he helped Aradan out and refused to follow without the horses. I was *so* glad when Dúath and Feinloth finally decided to leave! And equally typical of Elladan that in the moment he knew his brother was alive he tried to get in the burning stable. What a luck Glorfindel knows the twins so well and held him back! It is bad enough Elrohir is hurt, even if he seems not so badly injured as one could expect after all this time in the flames and the smoke. I hope you’ve not a nasty surprise in store for me in this regard.
Now I can wait a bit calmer for the next chapter!
Author's reply
You're relieved? How do you think Elladan and Elrohir feel? :>)
Once the twins talk over what's happened, Elladan will indeed realise that his visions aren't as useless as he thinks. Like you say, it gave Elrohir the right idea, and saved him. Things could have been a lot worse.
I decided that neither Elrohir nor Aradan are too badly injured - severe burns would mean long treatment and healing skills that even Elves would find difficult!
perelleth
· 7 March 2006
· Chapter 5: Tomorrow Is Today's Dream
Sorry, I apparently got lost! :-)
He won't be happy about the stable, but very relieved about his sons!
Author's reply
Don't worry - I frequently have to refer to a previous chapter, or even another story, to remind myself of what I've said before about something! It's often quicker to do it online than to dig through my notes.
I don't think Elrond is going to care about the stable ...
perelleth
· 7 March 2006
· Chapter 5: Tomorrow Is Today's Dream
Phew! Glad that nobody was grievously hurt or died.. until now. Horses are even more stubborn than certain elves! ONly this made me look around and wonder... Where is Elrond?
Author's reply
I said somewhere in one of the other chapters that Elrond, Celebrían and Arwen were off in Lorien. It's down to the twins and Glorfindel to sort this crisis out. At least Elrond will return to find his sons in one piece!
Mirkwoodmaiden
· 7 March 2006
· Chapter 1: Dreams Of Fire
An interest-provoking beginning. I'm always love reading stories about the Twins. They always seem to write themselves!! I shall continue reading!
Author's reply
Thank you - I hope you enjoy the rest of the tale as well. I love the twins too, which is why they feature in so many of my stories.
Dreamflower
· 6 March 2006
· Chapter 5: Tomorrow Is Today's Dream
I'm so relieved that all were saved, and seemingly not too badly injured. I mean, I knew that Elrohir would be, since this wasn't AU, but I feared that Aradan might be killed, or Elrohir severely injured in some way that would take him a long time to recover. And I am very relieved that the horses were saved as well.
Elladan's reaction was all too realistic. And I liked your healer. I think she will make her patients toe the line.
Author's reply
I researched burns and fire injuries, but some were so horrific I realised that to inflict any of these on my characters would need treatment that would stretch their healing abilities to the limit - especially as Elrond isn't there, and Elrohir would be one of the patients. As a reslult, the injuries aren't too severe.
Athela's appeared before once or twice. I'm glad you like her - Elrohir used to have a crush on her, long ago! Glad you liked Eladan's reaction, too - it seemed natural to me for his worry to turn to anger.
Nikara
· 6 March 2006
· Chapter 5: Tomorrow Is Today's Dream
Yay. Very nice chapter. More soon, please.
Author's reply
Glad you liked this. I think there's one more chapter to go.
daw the minstrel
· 6 March 2006
· Chapter 5: Tomorrow Is Today's Dream
Dramatic chapter, Jay. It looks like Elladan's visions are very useful here, even though it takes him a while to realize that. Thank goodness for Glorfindel. And I laughed at the forester who belatedly remembered to say "my lord." Elrohir comes across as very brave.
Author's reply
Thank you! When Elladan hears the full story, he'll realise that it was his warning that saved Elrohir and Aradan. Hopefully he'll feel less useless about the visions then.
I'm glad you liked the forester! He made me smile as I added that.
French Pony
· 6 March 2006
· Chapter 5: Tomorrow Is Today's Dream
Oh, good. Everyone got out. I figured Elrohir would be safe -- he's a smart cookie and he listens to his brother -- but to have both Elves and both horses out is an added bonus. Whenever Elrond shows up, he can turn his full attention to the kids instead of having to deal with the dead. The stable's a complete loss, but that's not important right now.
Author's reply
I knew from the start that no-one would die - Aradan is the sort of character I'd like to use again, so I couldn't kill him! After the zoo fire, I couldn't kill any of the horses, either. There are injuries that need treating, but nothing too severe. They were lucky - things could have been far worse, and it's thanks to Elladan's warning that they weren't.
Yes, the stable's gone - but it can be rebuilt.
Lyn
· 6 March 2006
· Chapter 5: Tomorrow Is Today's Dream
Excellent! I have no suggestions for improving this chapter!
I am particularly pleased at the realistic portrayal of the fire, Elrohir's
resourcefulness, and the cold water treatment of his burned hands.
Details of the scene, characterizations and motives, animal behavior,
even barn construction---outstanding! Thank you.
Lyn
· 6 March 2006
· Chapter 5: Tomorrow Is Today's Dream
Excellent! I have no suggestions for improving this chapter!
I am particularly pleased at the realistic portrayal of the fire, Elrohir's
resourcefulness, and the cold water treatment of his burned hands.
Details of the scene, characterizations and motives, animal behavior,
even barn construction---outstanding! Thank you.
Author's reply
Thank you! I hope the details were convincing - I want to make readers feel the heat and smoke. As I've never been in a fire (thank God!), and know little about horses, most of this was guesswork.
Water in a horse trough may not be the ideal treatment for burns, but its all they've got at the moment.
Nilmandra
· 6 March 2006
· Chapter 5: Tomorrow Is Today's Dream
That reaction of anger when the danger is past is well done - amazing how the range of emotions can be run in such a short time - adrenaline driven fear and action, then despair, then a second burst of adrenaline, then relief mixed with anger, and finally, at the end, there is just exhaustion. Now that Elrohir's adrenaline has passed, he will see how hurt he might really be.
Hopefully Elladan will see the vision did aid them - much as Galadriel speaks about her mirror. The information may aid you, but the knowledge is of what is or maybe, and foresight is a poor thing to base decisions on.
Author's reply
I thought Elladan's anger towards Elrohir would be a realistic response. Relief can do odd things to us. Elrohir, too, is now beginning to feel the pain of his burnt hands, which he didn't even notice at the time.
When Elrohir explains how he used Elladan's vision and warning to save him and Aradan, Elladan is going to feel a lot better about his visions - they're not useless after all. I suppose it's another source of information to help in making decisions, but not the only factor.