Cairistiona · 20 November 2008 · Chapter 6: Physician, Heal Thyself
Elrohir's climb was agonizing ... and its wrenching to see how tired he is, yet how determined. And a healer healing himself ... very interesting!
Beyond The Dimrill Gate by Jay of Lasgalen
Reviews (224)
Cairistiona · 20 November 2008 · Chapter 5: Time Runs Out
"Nothing much" ... hmm, Elladan is nothing if not the king of the understatement. But what will they do now that Orcs are again at the door?? Yikes.
Cairistiona · 19 November 2008 · Chapter 4: Reunion
I don't know whether to be relieved or not ... Elladan has found them but there are still a LOT of chapters left, and somehow I doubt you will have filled them with the three of them limping from Moria unscathed (well, two of them unscathed, at any rate) and unbothered. Hmmm....
Cairistiona · 19 November 2008 · Chapter 3: Disaster Strikes
Ack! Poor Elrohir and Estel!! Must.keep.reading....
Cairistiona · 19 November 2008 · Chapter 2: A Journey In The Dark
"I think we should go on a little further." Nine little words sure to lead to Big Trouble. *shiver* I feel like I should be reading this at night, by a campfire, instead of in broad daylight by the computer. Night-time would fit the mood you're crafting perfectly. Love the bioluminescence detail. That seems very plausible.
Cairistiona · 19 November 2008 · Chapter 1: An Unseen Menace
Call me very much a latecomer to this story, but what a great start! The feeling of malice and menace and foreboding practically leaps from the page. That the bats are flying out at dawn is so evocative of Something Very Wrong Here. Very good start. I'm looking forward to reading the entire story!
pipinheart · 23 October 2008 · Chapter 12: Hanging By A Thread
Very nice... It seems they are always running into trouble. Elrohir, elbowing Estel, that was a nice touch... Poor, nairn, Elladan tried but he couldn't help him. I wonder what else can befall them before they are out of there... Update soon....
nessa · 23 October 2008 · Chapter 12: Hanging By A Thread
How horrible, falling into a deep, dark hole. You play on our worst fears. I am still trembling with the thought.
Elena Tiriel · 12 October 2008 · Chapter 12: Hanging By A Thread
Erm, well, you *did* promise heights.... *shudder* And you take the concept of cliffhanger to new heights, so to speak. *rolls eyes* I liked the way Estel assumed that Elrohir would fling himself off the cliff once Elladan died... he was wrong, but I think it was a natural assumption in such a panicky moment. And you do write panic-inducing situations well.... Well, at least, situations where the reader panics, no matter how well E-cubed handle it. Well, I think you've probably hit most of *my* major phobias, anyway, so the story must be winding down... right? Right? *wonders what else Jay could possibly throw at her favorite Peredhil and their scruffy foundling, too* I'm just glad I already know that E-cubed have to survive. LOL! Well done, Jay! - Barbara
Kitty · 12 October 2008 · Chapter 12: Hanging By A Thread
Ha, so I was right – Elladan didn’t fall, but was still hanging on the ladder! This connection the twins share with each other was useful, I think – so Elrohir knew at once that Elladan was not dead. Luckily he didn’t fall too deep. Though this whole rescue sounds really frightening to me – I think I mentioned already that I am afraid of heights. And to dangle high over the abyss ... *shudder* Oh, poor Náin. He was not the most likeable person in the world, but I am very sorry he died. I had really hoped he’d survive, too. Poor Bilbur, that’s so hard for her. The dwarves have come a long way, I think – for them not only to tell Elladan that he’s not to blame himself for Náin’s death, but that Náin might not have tried to save Elladan is telling. They seem to have realised that elves aren’t necessarily so bad as they always thought. Well, at least *one* good thing that’s coming out of this disaster! Now I'm feeling much better ..
Agape4Gondor · 10 October 2008 · Chapter 12: Hanging By A Thread
Wow - a really taut chapter. Sad that Nain fell, but I am most grateful that Elladan survived. Dear Estel is definitely earning points with this adventure! Well written!
Agape4Gondor · 10 October 2008 · Chapter 7: Unexpected Company
Hehehe - oh I just loved the ending.... Nice job pullihng the Dwarves in like that - and having one be of the company of Thorin was great too - I loved Elladan's compliment. And I'm glad they're not going to be fighting - too much other stuff to contend with. And a dragon *giggles slyly*
Agape4Gondor · 10 October 2008 · Chapter 6: Physician, Heal Thyself
I am stunned that I 'lost' this tale. I hadn't noticed these further chapters being posted. Very glad I found it again... It's strange with good writing - I couldn't remember anything about this tale nor even that I'd read earlier chapters (using the reviews to see if I'd been doing this...) BUT - as soon as I read the very first line of this chapter... memory flooded back and I didn't need to read the earlier chapters again at all - much to my delight for I wanted to 'press on.' Your writing is so powerful that my mind 'grasped' the memories and just rejoiced. I knew exactly where I was in the tale and read with gusto. It is incredible to think that Elrohir could heal himself - but quite plausible with the help of his twin - without that 'special' support - what would he have done? Great job you are doing - now I just hope I don't 'lose' this again!
lwarren · 9 October 2008 · Chapter 12: Hanging By A Thread
Oh my giddy aunt! (*g* I've always wanted to say that!) But Jay, can you possibly ramp up the action a little - I think our boys are getting a little bored! *vbg* What a stomach-twisting chapter - I was really concerned about Elladan there for a moment...it was fortunate he had that little (very little) bit of time to wrap the rope around his hand. And poor Nain! Just a great chapter, Jay...I can't wait to see where you take them next. The gates may be near, but me thinks the author will not be satisfied to make it easy on our guys. Wonderful! linda
Author's reply
I love that expression - I'm glad you finally got a chance to use it, though I'm sorry if you thought the chapter was a little flat :>) I knew from the start that poor Nain would die - I didn't like him at first (especially after what he said about Elrohir!) but as he developed I was sorry to kill him off. I don't *think* there will be any major calamities between here and the gates - but sometimes the muses have their own ideas ;/
daw the minstrel · 9 October 2008 · Chapter 12: Hanging By A Thread
As I was reading this, I thought of you rapelling down that tower! Did that give you the idea or influence how you wrote this. I get ideas from the oddest things sometimes. Beliond's juggling came from a show on a cruise that Mr daw dragged me to. Let's see. Poor Nain. He had time to try to catch himself and fell anyway. The other dwarves were generous to tell Elladan not to blame himself. That cut must have been bad. Ick.
Author's reply
Actually, the idea for this chapter came from 'The Temple Of Doom' repeated on TV a year or two ago - when the bridge across a gorge is cut down, and Indy etc wrap the ropes around them. I thought 'I must use that in a story one day!' Like you, I get inspiration from odd things. One of my most popular drabbles, 'Grammar Lessons', was sparked by a very badly worded headline on the front of a magazine. Poor Nain. I knew from the start that he would die, even though I came to like him as the story progressed :(
grumpy · 7 September 2008 · Chapter 11: The Bridge Of Khazad-Dum
Well the flood got rid of the "dragon", at least for a while, but we do know that it gets it's flame back. But in the meanwhile one elf and one dwarf are in need of some wings, or a bungi cord.
Author's reply
Ah, yes - Elladan and Náin. They need something, that's for sure :>)
erunyauve · 27 May 2008 · Chapter 11: The Bridge Of Khazad-Dum
>>"I'm going as fast as I can!" she snapped back. "You know I don't like heights!" "You can't see the drop below us, so what difference does it make?" Farin demanded. Nice way to bring a bit of characterisation and realism to an action scene! And you leave us with a cliffhanger (literally)! Aaaargh!
Author's reply
I'm finding the dialogue between Farin and Bilbur great fun to write! There's more in the latest chapter. I've always liked cliffhangers - and this is more literal than most :)
Tithenaru · 21 May 2008 · Chapter 11: The Bridge Of Khazad-Dum
Crikey; a nameless enemy, almost constant darkness, collapsing tunnels, climbing sheer rock faces, swimming through narrow water filled tunnels, floods, battles with orcs, and now failing bridges over deep chasms - no wonder Aragorn did not want to pass through the gates of Moria again. However, the little brother has come into his own and Elladan and Elrohir are rightly proud. I love the interaction with the dwarves, and the comment regarding Bilbur and Arwen is great. Can't wait for more.
Author's reply
I'm sorry I didn't reply before - somehow I missed this! Estel has more than enough reasons to dislike Moria - and it will only get worse.
hanci · 21 May 2008 · Chapter 11: The Bridge Of Khazad-Dum
Ow!! Well, I'll keep believing they are hanging on the right side of the bridge and will climb up in the next chapter, for what else can I do? Great ideas, with flooding the mine etc., and great dialogues (f.e. Elladanand Farin's exchange about orcs!). And Elrohir's thoughts about siblings! :o) "...Far, far above them there was a bridge, a single narrow span that leapt across the gap." Now we all know where they are, even see it thanks to the movie... Love it!
Author's reply
Well, you can finally find out what's happened now! I'm sorry it's taken so long. I'm glad you liked this chapter - I enjoyed writing the scene of the mine flooding, especially including bits from the book and film! Jay
pipinheart · 19 May 2008 · Chapter 11: The Bridge Of Khazad-Dum
Very nice. The bridge was old an worn and orc's would have to be still alive after the water flooded. To many orcs and not enough time, the rope would have to break. Hopefully Elladan and Nain will be okay.
Author's reply
'Hopefully Elladan and Nain will be okay.' Hopefully - but I'm not promising anything ...
Grumpy · 18 May 2008 · Chapter 11: The Bridge Of Khazad-Dum
Well I hope that they are still being one with the ladder, or the rockface, or that Spiderman left some of his spidey stuff behind, how about a friendly dragon picking them up for a joy ride. Can not very well lose a twin here, nor a dwarf either.
Author's reply
No dragons, I'm afraid - even though they *think* that's what is lurking in the depths of Moria. No spiders or Spiderman either :(
nessa · 18 May 2008 · Chapter 11: The Bridge Of Khazad-Dum
Ooooh, I did not like reading that. I'm with Bilbur, terrified of heights. I felt every slow step she took. I loved Elohir's thoughts of pity for the drowning orcs. The good do regret the bad things that happen to evil creatures, no matter how much they deserve them.
Author's reply
I don't mind heights myself, but I sympathise with those who do. And as Bilbur said, just because you can't see something doesn't mean it's not there! I think elves like Elladan and Elrohir would feel compassion even for orcs - especially as orcs were bred by Melkor from elves he had corrupted :{
Kitty · 18 May 2008 · Chapter 11: The Bridge Of Khazad-Dum
ARGH! Have I ever told you that you are EVIL? Do you need to take the word 'cliffhanger' *so* literally? Your description was vivid enough for me to see before my eyes what happened - it was terrible to watch the catastrophe unravel! And now Elladan and Náin are probably dangling above the abyss on some piece of rope - and probably slamming somewhere into the rock ... *shudders* Poor guys. Honestly, I've known that orcs are stupid, but these at least deserve the Nobel Prize for stupidity. To swarm onto the bridge in such numbers though they should know the ropes are about to break!
Author's reply
It is quite a literal cliffhanger, isn't it? But I've always done them like this! I'm really glad you felt the description was so vivid, and could see what was happening! But sshhh - don't give away my plot solutions ... In one draft I had a couple of brighter orcs cutting through the ropes to make the bridge collapse - but if they were that bright, they'd realise their prey would get away in the process.
Nilmandra · 17 May 2008 · Chapter 11: The Bridge Of Khazad-Dum
That is going to hurt when they slam into the stone wall. *winces*
Author's reply
**Shh!** Don't tell everyone! I've had a scene similar to this in mind for ages, ever since I saw a repeat of the second Indiana Jones film - I jjust had to find the story to fit it.
Nilmandra · 17 May 2008 · Chapter 10: Water, Water, Everywhere.
I really like the Dwarves in this chapter - using their craft and plotting how to make the diversion happen. And Estel wanting to see a dragon. I'm with the others - I prefer great distances from things that want to cook me alive and eat me.
Author's reply
I liked using the dwarves' skill with stone here - it's too easy to make the elves superior in stength and knowledge in all matters. I think Elladan and Elrohir still have a sneaking longing to see a real dragon too - even as age, experience and maturity kick in and tell them it's Not A Good Idea.