A Midsummer Night's Dream by Jay of Lasgalen
Faye · 5 March 2006 · Chapter 4: Clear And Present Danger
That's awful about the giraffes. This was wonderfully written as always, but Elrohir is still in the stable.
Author's reply
I'm working on getting Elrohir out as soon as possible! The next chapter is virtually finished, so I'll post asap. Poor giraffes - it's made me determined not to hurt the horses in this story!
perelleth · 5 March 2006 · Chapter 4: Clear And Present Danger
Sorry I am so late in reviewing... what! adn these elves are still inside that barn! oh my! The ladder won't last that long! Poor horses and poor Elladan! now I hope that you are letting us know soon waht's going on under the debris! !
Author's reply
I've very nearly finished the next chapter, so it will be posted soon, I promise! The chapter will be mostly Elrohir's POV.
pipinheart · 26 February 2006 · Chapter 4: Clear And Present Danger
Love it! Elrohir has his hands full, but it seems the fire is faster than they can work. Aradan is more worried about the horses that won't follow than the fallen roof, unfortunatly sometimes you can't rescue all. They seemed trapped and a cliffhanger to boot... Elladan is not going to be happy with his brother Please update soon...
Author's reply
No, Elladan really isn't happy with Elrohir now - he warned him about what would happen, Elrohir went charging into the stable anyway - and now it's collapsed. Poor Elladan is having somevery bad moments. Elrohir has his own problems right now - but I promise to resolve the cliffhanger in the next chapter.
Ellie · 22 February 2006 · Chapter 4: Clear And Present Danger
I was wondering what was taking Elrohir so long in there. I wonder what has happened to him now. Excellent chapter as always. Cna't wait for more! Sorry to hear about the giraffe family. So very sad indeed.
Author's reply
Although elves have a 'way with all good beasts' - and Elrohir and Aradan more than most - even they find it hard work to calm a dozen or so terrified horses and point them in the right direction to escape :( It would have been sad about the giraffes at any time - but more so because of the calf.
Bodkin · 21 February 2006 · Chapter 4: Clear And Present Danger
Those poor giraffes! Fire is a terribly relentless opponent. I doubt those two horses are going to make it out of this experience either. Even if they are brought out alive, the shock to their systems and the smoke inhalation are likely to prove too much for them. Elrohir and Aradan, though. GET THEM OUT! Elrohir's ladder trick might just give them an extra moment - and they know that running through the flame will bring them to help. But they really have no time left. Save them now!
Author's reply
It will be a little while before I get them out - but I promise I will. Well, Elrohir, anyway. Elrohir's ladder trick may just save them all - thanks to Elladan's foresight. The visions can be useful at times. I've decided that in this case, the story will no longer mirror life. The horses will escape - somehow.
Vendetta · 20 February 2006 · Chapter 4: Clear And Present Danger
A friend sent me a link to your stories a couple weeks ago and I've been reading them since. This is the first time I've left a review though. I've loved all of your stories and can't wait to read more of them. When I read this story it reminded me of the tragedy that happened in Eureka, Kansas where a horse barn went up in flames killing 43 horses. Only one survived. It gave me chills when I first started reading it. I hope to read more soon.
Author's reply
I'm so glad you've enjoyed the stories - thanks to your friend for sending you the link. I *love* reviews though, so please review again next time! The fire you mention sounds far, far worse than the one here. That's awful - 43 horses? Poor creatures.
Larner · 20 February 2006 · Chapter 4: Clear And Present Danger
How life can so imitate art! But then, good art anticipates what life can be.
Author's reply
The similarities were a little chilling. I'm just glad that my outcome (which I'd already established) had a happier ending.
Nikara · 20 February 2006 · Chapter 4: Clear And Present Danger
This is a great and exciting story. I hope that you will add more soon.
Author's reply
Thank you! The next chapter is already partly written, so you shouldn't have to wait too long.
lwarren · 20 February 2006 · Chapter 4: Clear And Present Danger
This chapter was a nail-biter, Jay! So many difficulties and hard choices to make in the end. I hope the ladder propped under that beam will give them that little bit of extra time they need to escape! And I hope irrascible Aradan makes it out, too! (The news of the tragedy at the zoo in your hometown was terrible - it is rather eerie when RL mirrors a story so closely.) Scary chapter, Jay! Update soon! linda
Author's reply
Elladan's vision about the roof collapsing - and Elrohir using that knowledge - may just save them. We'll see. It was sad to realise that in RL, mother and baby were not so lucky. Somehow it makes me even more glad that Hithil and the foal are safe.
Nilmandra · 20 February 2006 · Chapter 4: Clear And Present Danger
I am sorry to hear what happened at your local zoo - these types of accidents are awful... and its hard to see people and animals suffer. I hope Elrohir's fix works - the ladder was a very smart idea. Unfortunately, Aradan's hesitation may have cost them terribly. :(
Author's reply
What happened at the zoo was sad - and it seemed worse when I realised how closely events repeated what I'd written. I wanted Elladan's vision to serve a useful purpose - so Elrohir was already on the scene, and he was able to use Elladan's prediction about the roof to do something about it. We'll see how successful it was in the next chapter.
daw the minstrel · 20 February 2006 · Chapter 4: Clear And Present Danger
This is scary, partly because hard choices have to be made. They can be heroic but at some point, heroism becomes suicidal and pointless. Poor elves.
Author's reply
Yes - and the hard choice is knowing when that point comes. Elrohir doesn't plan to sacrifice himself, but when does he decide that enough is enough?
Dreamflower · 20 February 2006 · Chapter 4: Clear And Present Danger
Oh, wow! Isn't it just chillingly *wierd* when RL echoes a fic? Your story about the zoo fire puts me in mind of the heroic staff at Audubon Zoo in New Orleans, a handful of whom remained in the City to care for the animals, long after nearly everyone else had been prodded out. I know also of so many (myself included) who would not evacuate partly because of the need to care for pets. While I am aware that human life supercedes that of animals, when one has taken responsibility for an animal or animals--well, people have a choice, don't they? Animals *don't*. So, I can understand exactly where Aradan and Elrohir are coming from. Even though I know that Elrohir *will* be all right, I am still dreadfully worried for him and for Aradan, and I hope you update soon.
Author's reply
I hadn't thought of that aspect of the mass evacuation. People could hardly take their pets to the refugee centres, and it's not easy to evacuate an entire zoo. It was eerie to realise how closely real events had repeated what I'd written such a short time before. I'm even more glad now that Hithil and the foal are safe.
Kitty · 20 February 2006 · Chapter 4: Clear And Present Danger
*whimpers* Finally an update, but I know not more than before! Don’t get me wrong, it is interesting to see the happenings through Elrohir’s eyes, but I want him *out of the stable* and out of this nightmare! (Aradan and the two horses, too, of course, but first of all Elrohir!) You certainly know how to draw out the suspense! *is desperately waiting for the next update* How terribly sad to hear of the giraffes! I feel so sorry for them!
Author's reply
I already have about a page of the next chapter done, and no other stories to distract me this time. Elrohir will get out of course, but how? I felt almost guilty to get enjoyment from writing this chapter after what happened :(
French Pony · 20 February 2006 · Chapter 4: Clear And Present Danger
I guess this is why they blindfolded the horses in the stable fire scene in Black Beauty. Even for Elvish horse whisperers, a stableful of panicked, one-ton animals is a lot of work. Elrond's family is not going to be a happy one for quite a while after this.
Author's reply
I read that scene for a little background information. I know Tolkien said that the elves have a way with all good beasts, but he didn't say anything about when they're scared witless by fire. Besides, I couldn't make it too easy for Elrohir, now could I?
Meimi · 7 February 2006 · Chapter 3: The Future Foreseen
Well, this place works better than ff.net... *mutters* Though, that's not hard to do. Anyway! Yay, I can finally review chapter three! *ahem* The build up of tension is superb, and you can practically feel Elladan's distress over it all. Poor Glorfindel, worried as well but having to make Elladan see reason. He does tend to end up with the harder tasks in that regard, doesn't he? The added danger of the frightened horses really spiced things up as well. I'm really looking forward to seeing how your resolve things. Can't wait for the next part!
Author's reply
Welcome to SoA! This is my favourite site for posting; I hate ff.net too, I can't review there - my browser hates pop-up windows. I'm really glad you liked the rising tension in this chapter. I concentrated on that aspect, because I knew that everyone else knew the stable would collapse in the end. Glorfindel's worried about Elrohir as well, of course - in my world he looks on himself as a sort of uncle, or second father to the twins - and now he's got to stop Elladan going in as well. We'll see what's happening to Elrohir in the next chapter.
pipinheart · 2 February 2006 · Chapter 3: The Future Foreseen
Terrific... At least Glorifindel was there to help Elladan, though he didn't ease his mind to much. Poor Elladan u feel for him, and Elrohir where is he... Thier parents would be gone....And that horse did have to run inside. Please continue soon....
Author's reply
Thanks for your review. Yes, Elladan was extremely worried all through this chapter, and it's just got a lot worse. He's frantic now, wondering what's happened to Elrohir :( It's a good thing Glorfindel's around to help!
perelleth · 1 February 2006 · Chapter 3: The Future Foreseen
I like how the tension built up. THe fire is so destructive that one cannot help being impotent before it. Glorfindel taking charge was great and powerful, but Elladan would not submit when it is Elrohir in danger... and LErohir will not leave while there are horses in the stable. Great prospect! Good chapter!
Author's reply
The collapsing roof wasn't going to surprise anyone, so I worked on building the suspense towards an inevitable outcome instead. I'm glad it worked. I like to include Glorfindel in stories sometimes - he's like a father-figure to the twins, but a friend as well. He's worried as well, but you'll have to wait to see what comes next!
Kitty · 1 February 2006 · Chapter 3: The Future Foreseen
*sigh* It had to come to this! Tell me, what have the poor twins done to deserve all that what you're putting them through? Poor Elrohir trapped in the burning stable and Elladan outside, frantic with worry ... that's cruel! Even in the midst of his ever-increasing alarm, Elladan found himself smiling at that. It was unfair of Elrohir to issue such an impossible order to the unfortunate stable-hand. How true! It was fortunate Glorfindel came and held Elladan back - he is probably the only one in Imladris who was able to do this. I'm impressed Elladan truly stayed outside the stable and tried to help to catch the horses. But now he probably thinks he should have gone anyway ... And now I want the update - at once!!! *sniff* My poor twins! Oh, and by the way - sadly it is only too true horses tend to run back in their burning stable. If they're in panic, they seek the only shelter they know, although it is difficult to understand that they run straight into the flames. I knew two horses who were rescued out of a burning stable as young horses. The one refused *absolutely* to be tied to anything solid for the rest of her life, ripping every bridle or halter which was used, and the other, which I rode sometimes, panicked nearly every time it was misty, because then often the air smelled a bit smoky. Not to mention when he saw flames somewhere ...
Author's reply
I must confess to a liking for inflicting torment and angst on the twins - but I promise to kiss them better at the end :) Glorfindel is like a second father to the twins, and he not only understands Elladan's bond with his twin, he knows about the visions, and yet can still make Elladan listen to him. He won't be pleased with Elrohir for taking such a risk, either :( How sad about those two horses - the experience must have really terrified them.
Lindelea · 1 February 2006 · Chapter 1: Dreams Of Fire
Whoa! Thanks for sending me the link. It's nearly midnight and I'm way overdue for sleep, but I had to sneak a peek. I can scarcely tear myself away, but my eyes are closing--and not due to your excellent story. Great buildup of tension and suspense. Looking forward to more.
Author's reply
Well, as I already had the stable fire planned, that additional detail was perfectly timed. Thank you! I'm glad you liked it. I'm looking forward to the next part of Bill's story. Go to bed and get some sleep, so you'll be refreshed for the next bout of writing!
Bodkin · 30 January 2006 · Chapter 3: The Future Foreseen
It just had to happen. Dumb horse. Dumb, dumb horse. I'm glad Glorfindel's natural authority kept Elladan out of the burning stable - he did well to train the twins to obey him! But nothing'll keep him away from the flames now! Where's that rain? A cloudburst is seriously needed. I love the detail of the ellyth in their nightgowns taking the horses out of danger - but I'm seriously worried about the two elves in that stable. It can't be good. More please. Relieve my mind of its anxiety one way or another!
Author's reply
Elladan agrees with you - he's not pleased with Dúath either. I blame Lindelea - I saw the idea in her story! Glorfindel is the only person in Imladris at the moment that Elladan might listen to, but his authority won't last for much longer. There are stronger claims on Elladan's loyalty right now. I'm not quite sure where the ellyth came from - I was trying to show everyone in Imladris involved in fighting the fire, and they just appeared. It's rather odd the way a story evolves. At the moment I'm writing a Valentine's Day fic for the Royal Mirkwood group, but I'll update this as soon as that's finished!
BlueEyedElf · 30 January 2006 · Chapter 3: The Future Foreseen
Oops, I mean the blank review below. I just can't get anything right tonight. Perhaps I should call it a day and go to bed. I think my brain is asleep.
BlueEyedElf · 30 January 2006 · Chapter 3: The Future Foreseen
Sorry about that blank review above. I sort of messed up. Anyway, now on to my review. Oh no! Elladan's vision has come to pass in all its horror. Elrohir is trapped in the burning barn and noone can get to him. However, I bet that if anyone can find a way, it will be Elladan. I liked Glorfindel in this chapter. I helped Elladan to see past his fear for Elrohir to do what needed to be done. However, I don't think that even Glorfindel will be able to stop him from rushing into that burning barn for much longer. I feel sorry for the rest of the family when they get home. They will be shocked to find out what has taken place while they were away. I sure hope everything turns out okay. Great chapter as always. I will be looking forward to more.
Author's reply
It's easy to hit 'send' too soon - I know! There were no big surprises in this chapter - we all knew what was going to happen - but poor Elladan kept hoping Elrohir would be able to escape in time :( I like Glorfindel, even though I don't write about him much. He's very close to the twins, and they often turn to him for advice. He's about the only person - save his parents - that Elladan would listen to then. I think Elrond may know already that something's happened, given his link with the valley and his sons! Author Reply: It's easy to hit 'send' too soon - I know! There were no big surprises in this chapter - we all knew what was going to happen - but poor Elladan kept hoping Elrohir would be able to escape in time :( I like Glorfindel, even though I don't write about him much. He's very close to the twins, and they often turn to him for advice. He's about the only person - save his parents - that Elladan would listen to then. I think Elrond may know already that something's happened, given his link with the valley and his sons!
procrastinatingelf1980@yahoo.com · 30 January 2006 · Chapter 3: The Future Foreseen
Faye · 30 January 2006 · Chapter 3: The Future Foreseen
You did a wonderful job of building the suspense. I can't even begin to imagine what it would be like trapped in a burning building. Poor Elrohir, please don't leave him in there too long.
Author's reply
I'm glad the tension worked here, as everyone knew what was going to happen! For Elrohir's sake, I'll update asap. He's not having much fun at the moment.
Ellie · 30 January 2006 · Chapter 3: The Future Foreseen
This is getting really good. Just when it seemed like Elladan would calm down and stop worrying, wham! Very worried about Elrohir now. And what about the other guy? He didn't get out either, did he? Poor Glorfindel as well! Elrond leaves him in charge for a while and the whole places comes in danger of burning down AND his lord's son gets trapped in a burning building to boot. Are you planning on providing therapy for these characters when the story is over or at least in between posting chapters? Poor guys! Please update soon!
Author's reply
Yes - I'm afraid Elrohir and Aradan are both trapped in the stable. The next chapter will be from Elrohir's POV, so we'll see how he's doing. Don't worry about therapy - I'm providing lots of TLC on a personal basis to my two favourite elves!