Larner · 3 May 2009 · Chapter 5: Time Runs Out
Just what they need--more orcs! But if these somehow manage to clear the way and then get tidily killed....
Beyond The Dimrill Gate by Jay of Lasgalen
Reviews (224)
Larner · 2 May 2009 · Chapter 4: Reunion
Indeed, an excellent means of explaining all the dead orcs at that particular intersection--we KNOW they tend to hate one another! Now--can they get Estel and Elrohir out the way Elladan got in?
Larner · 2 May 2009 · Chapter 3: Disaster Strikes
Evil cliffhanger! Evil cliffhanger--or in this case, cliff-dropper! Good use of tension.
Larner · 2 May 2009 · Chapter 2: A Journey In The Dark
Oops! Poor Estel--cornered by orcs! But there are two Elven brothers nearby who are likely to interfere with the "fun" of these two orcs! Love the detail!
Larner · 2 May 2009 · Chapter 1: An Unseen Menace
Bats leaving Moria at dawn would indeed be ominous.
Kitty · 1 May 2009 · Chapter 14: A Parting Of The Ways
That guard is even more stupid than I had expected! *shakes head* Really, a guard should be much more diplomatic and cautious - with *that* behaviour, he'd cause a lot of problems for Lórien! Would not have held it against Bilbur if she had accidentally hit him with her axe ... *grin* Anyway, it was fun to watch the encounter and the way Elladan dealt with this idiot. And I actually love Bilbur's idea of Rúmon being sent as envoy - would force him to mind his manners *eg* Good to know them back home safe and sound. It was nice to have a chapter that didn't strain my nerves for a change *grin* And I completely agree with the twin's assessment of Estel - he matured on this journey and showed great courage.
Author's reply
Poor old Rúmon is just a border guard, usually on the lookout for orcs etc - and he doesn't need diplomacy for them! He'll have to learn fast when he becomes envoy to Moria :>)
Agape4Gondor · 30 April 2009 · Chapter 14: A Parting Of The Ways
Excellent - I'm glad the 'fool' of an Elf got a lesson - It would be fun to see the further adventures of the 'envoy' to Erebor *grins* Loved the compliments heaped upon Estel - well deserved after this jaunt. Looking forward to the next chapter!
Author's reply
Estel's done well on this journey, and he's earned the right to know his true name. I don't know if we'll see Rúmon again, but it's tempting ... I'll have to think about it :)
pipinheart · 30 April 2009 · Chapter 14: A Parting Of The Ways
Very nice... The dwarves gave that elf a few choice words as did Elladan,and Elrohir. ITs good to see they made it home in one piece as well...
Author's reply
Well, I knew they'd get home *eventually* - it was just a matter of time. It was fun to see Bilbur give Rumon a piece of her mind!
nessa · 30 April 2009 · Chapter 14: A Parting Of The Ways
The twins opinion of their brother has taken quite a turnaround since the beginning of the story. It was fun watching that change take place. Those Lorien elves sure don't like dwarves, do they? I'm sure Gimli heard that story before he ever came there. No wonder he was such a difficult visitor at first. I'm looking forward to the conversation between Estel and Elrond.
Author's reply
The twins have been surprised to see Estel grow up right before their eyes, and they are proud of his 'great deeds' in Moria. Poor Rumon - he'll never be allowed to forget this!
Cairistiona · 30 April 2009 · Chapter 14: A Parting Of The Ways
Ah, very satisfying, and now Estel will learn his heritage at last. "Elladan’s expression and stance shifted subtly. Estel blinked as his brother seemed to change before his eyes. He was not sure how Elladan did it in his stained and travel-worn clothing, but suddenly his teasing, bossy, annoying older brother vanished and an Elven lord of power and majesty stood in his place." My favorite passage of this chapter... it's nice to see Elladan in a lordly manner. He and Elrohir are the sons of Elrond, after all.
Author's reply
Thanks - I love it when readers select a particular passage they liked (especially when it's my favourite as well!) It really helps to know *what* someone liked in a chapter. The twins have a complicated and exalted ancestry, and even a little Maian blood - I'm sure they can do 'lordly' very well when the need takes them :)
ellie · 30 April 2009 · Chapter 14: A Parting Of The Ways
I like the way things are wrapping up. Nicely done! I love the way they handled the feisty elf on the borders, too! A willing messenger indeed! teehee
Author's reply
Yes, things are winding down now, but there are still surprises like Rumon to deal with :)
Independence1776 · 30 April 2009 · Chapter 14: A Parting Of The Ways
Wonderful story! You show quite clearly exactly why Aragorn hates Moria so much. *shudders* ~ Indy
Author's reply
Thanks! I had to make events there something he'd never forget.
daw the minstrel · 30 April 2009 · Chapter 14: A Parting Of The Ways
Elladan may have scared Rumon, but given the reaction of the Lothlorien guards to Gimli, I'm not sure the guards there all learned the lesson! I hope Thranduil scared Rumon silly. This is a great build up to Elrond's revelation of Aragorn's identity. Really a nice gap filler, Jay.
Author's reply
Hmm - given Thranduil's view on dwarves in The Hobbit, they might get on well! I decided not to write Elrond's revelation, or the meeting with Arwen - Tolkien did it better! He left so many spaces in other areas, though.
nessa · 10 April 2009 · Chapter 13: Kheled-Zâram
Thanks for the update. I have enjoyed this tale and am sorry that it looks close to ending. Or is it? Now we know why Aragorn did not want to go back through Moria with the Fellowship. I wonder if he told them of his experience there.
Author's reply
It's close to ending - but not quite yet! But who can blame Aragorn for not wanting to return to Moria?
Fantasia · 6 April 2009 · Chapter 13: Kheled-Zâram
You are back, great!...Trust a Lorien elf to make such a disastrous entrance! Glad that they are out of Moria, you really made them and us suffer for a long time, I'm not visiting caves for a while...Thanks,
Author's reply
I don't think any of the sons of Elrond will want to be visiting caves for a while either - especially Moria. However I think this elf from Lorien has sadly underestimated just who he's facing ... :>)
Cairistiona · 6 April 2009 · Chapter 13: Kheled-Zâram
Ah, nice to have an update! Excellent chapter, from Estel's suddenly "growing up" and channeling Elrond to the descriptions of their relief to be back out in the fresh air. Now to deal with this unfriendly Elf...
Author's reply
Despite appearances, the worst *is* over - and even tired and wounded the sons of Elrond can deal with this unfriendly idiot ...
ziggy · 6 April 2009 · Chapter 13: Kheled-Zâram
I have only just found this and spent a very happy afternoon reading it. As I expected from you, beautifully written- you take your time to describe and create the settings. Pacey and action-packed without overwhelming the reader- everything I could ask for.
Author's reply
Thank you! It's been fun to write. I like action, but enjoy creating the atmosphere as well.
BeeGee · 5 April 2009 · Chapter 13: Kheled-Zâram
Uh oh....I think this grey-clad elf is going to find himself on duty waaay out on the Northern fences until the end of Arda....if Galadriel doesn't turn him into something that croaks or squeaks for pulling a weapon on her grandsons. I've enjoyed this story very much so far, please don't keep us in suspense too long! Who is this mysterious, and probably soon-to-be unfortunate, elf?
Author's reply
The elf is (eventually) going to realise the error of his ways - and he's really going to regret his actions ...
Elena Tiriel · 5 April 2009 · Chapter 13: Kheled-Zâram
Oh, for heaven's sake! After all the sons of Elrond and the dwarves have been through together, after they've grown to respect each other, and one stupid elf blows it all? Urgh! Well, I could just *feel* in this chapter how relieved everyone was to get out of that horrid black pit... it was so oppressive in there! And they're talking again, even teasing each other.... all hopeful signs. I was worried that they had camped too closely to the gates... glad they weren't attacked. Nicely done, Jay! - Barbara
Author's reply
They didn't camp too close to the gates - the danger came from a quite unexpected direction. But is one stupid elf going to be a match for the sons of Elrond?
Kitty · 5 April 2009 · Chapter 13: Kheled-Zâram
Nice surprise to see an update popping up here! Estel is right – poor Náin! Such a fall must be horrible, as you have too much time to think before you finally hit the ground. I can’t imagine how that must be feeling, and I don’t want to, either. After that adventure, it is understandable that Aragorn later during the Quest didn’t want to go through Moria again and even amazing that he didn’t object to setting foot into that dark, horrible hole ever again! It was fun to watch Estel taking charge and telling Elladan what to do ;) No doubt, their little brother has grown up! And it was lovely to see how well Elves and Man now get along with the Dwarves; the gentle teasing about older brothers and the explanations about Kheled-Zâram were great. Only the end spoiled that quite a bit. How very discourteous of that Elf! Oh, and I have to admit, I don’t want Farin and Bilbur to go with Balin, for obvious reasons. I could very well see them helping to rebuild Minas Tirith after the Ring War.
Author's reply
At this stage, Estel is quite sure he'll never, ever enter Moria again - but we know differently! He's matured a lot during this journey - and even Elladan recognises that now. I loved making Estel sound like Elrond! I found I really didn't want Farin and Bilbur to go back to Moria with Balin, so I've (hopefully) given them good reasons for not returning there.
6336 · 5 April 2009 · Chapter 13: Kheled-Zâram
Well that's a nice way to greet sombody, I must say! He must have woken up on the wrong side of the bedroll this morning! More please, Lynda
Author's reply
**Grin** My mysterious elf has certainly ruffled a few feathers! He's really going to regret this ...
pipinheart · 5 April 2009 · Chapter 13: Kheled-Zâram
Been waiting on this, great read!!! The are finally out of Moria, but these memories shall haunt all. Estel is right Elladan is stubron...The drarves and the rest seem to get along well, and Estel gets to know Elrohir knows dravish runes,nice work with that. One of the elves would apprar with a bow, and not so nice words. I bet Elladna, Elrohir, and Estel isn't going to like that after all they've been through. Great job, Update soon....
Author's reply
Even as an experienced Ranger, Aragorn says his memory of Moria is very evil - he's never going to forget what happened to Nain, and what so nearly happened to Elladan. You think E3 won't be pleased with the elf with an arrow? You could be right :)
daw the minstrel · 5 April 2009 · Chapter 13: Kheled-Zâram
I really liked seeing Estel's reaction to the Dwarves' holy place. You did give it a sacred feel. But I want to say, "Don't do it, Balin! Don't go, Ori!"
Author's reply
**Sigh** I wish poor Balin, Ori and Óin had a change of heart, but we all know what happened. At least I can spare Farin and Bilbur - I've grown to like them too much. Poor Estel - how he wanted to have a swim in that lake!
Agape4Gondor · 5 April 2009 · Chapter 13: Kheled-Zâram
Excellent wrap-up of the pain and horror of Moria.... I loved that Estel has his first glimpse of Mirrowmere.... And the talk of who would return to the dark halls was very sad - knowing the end of those who went... I can still remember my horror when I read of their demise. Great chapter - now to sit patiently and hope that Elladan can sway the Elf with the arrow!
Author's reply
In FOTR Aragorn certainly had some bad memories of Moria, so I had to make sure he wouldn't want to go there again. Knowing the fate of Balin's expedition to Moria is difficult. I couldn't do anything for him, or Ori and Oin, but I've come to like Farin and Bilbur - so gave them good reasons not to join Balin. And the elf with the arrow? He's about to meet his match :)
Cairistiona · 25 November 2008 · Chapter 12: Hanging By A Thread
Very much enjoyed this and the chapters before it. The Dwarves are unique and well-developed original characters and my heart went out to them when Náin fell. The passage through the water trap had me biting my nails, as did the entire bridge sequence. You've made Moria a very real, very creepy place. I'm glad you're continuing to update this story ... it really has captured my imagination.
Author's reply
Oops - I'm sorry I didn't respond to your reviews! This story is taking far longer to write than I ever expected - but then, E3 are finding far more trouble than *they* ever expected. Things are drawing to a close now - but the problems still aren't at an end.