cre8iveovadose
· 30 July 2021
· Chapter 19: Four Is Company
This story is still as wonderful as it was when I first read it way back in 2007. I always loved the way you wrote the camaraderie between the twins and between them and Legolas. Perfection. I know I'll be revisiting it for ever and ever...
Marianel
· 19 May 2020
· Chapter 19: Four Is Company
Heartwrenching and complex story and very wellwritten. All the turns and twists made me wonder all unto the last chapters if the sons of Elrond would survive. They both were so beset by ill luck indeed. And the plague! It must have been terrible!
I love all of Elronds family and Legolas, they are so caring and lloving.
Thank you for this story.Best regards, Marianel
By the way.. I have taken to re read ALL your stories!❤️🧡
FirstMate
· 9 March 2004
· Chapter 19: Four Is Company
I'm sorry I'm so late in reviewing. I'm trying to catch up on all the stories that I've been missing and I hope I'm not forgetting any of them. Anyway, I've said it every time I've reviewed your stories (or at any rate I've thought it), but I'll say it again. I love your writing! Especially when it concerns the twins. You write them just like I see them and manage to craft such lovely tales about their adventures. I bet you were great at telling bedtime stories to your kids when they were little...you are so good at creating interesting stories and developing your characters! And this one ended just right, too, with happy endings all around. Thanks for the great story!
Author's reply
I was going through some of my old fics when I realised I hadn't replied to your review. Sorry! I'm very glad you like the way I write the twins; we obviously see them in exactly the same way. I like angst, but I like happy endings too - which I hope we'll see soon in 'Lost'! (hint hint).
Thanks for the review.
paranoidangel
· 7 March 2004
· Chapter 19: Four Is Company
Yay for the happy ending! I really liked the family dynamics in this one - and the name of the baby.
Author's reply
What other name could I give the baby? It brought closure of a sort. But Elrohir knew perfectly well when he suggested it that the baby would be a boy!
Jay
LKK
· 2 March 2004
· Chapter 19: Four Is Company
Great chapter, Jay.
I laughed at the twins' surprise that Elrond knew of their disobedience. Despite what Elrond told Arwen about sometimes not understanding the twins, I think he knows his sons very well.
The scene with Elrohir and the little elflings was sweet. We don't often see either of the adult twins interact with elflings (other than elfling Legolas) very often, for whatever reason. I liked seeing that. Maybe a plot bunny will bite you about adult twins and elflings!
Very sweet that Marla and Teague's new son was named Bereth. A fitting end to a great story. :-)
LKK
Author's reply
Elrond does know ALL his children well - but I try to establish that the link between Elladan and Elrohir is stronger, and different, to that between Elrond and Elros (I don't see them ever choosing different fates) - so sometimes not even Elrond knows exactly how they operate.
I've said before that Elrohir is my favourite twin, so I like to build a distinctive personality for him, which includes getting on well with *everyone* from children to females of all races!
Jay
Melje
· 28 February 2004
· Chapter 19: Four Is Company
I don't think I have reviewed this story before, even though I've been an avid lurker ever since the beginning, and I see this is my last chance!
Just wanted to say that I loved this story - I'm always looking for good stories with the twins in it, and this was REALLY good.
The suspense and the plot kept me constantly craving for more, and every time it looked like the story was drawing to an end, you threw in an unexpected twist!
I loved both the angst and the humor, and how neither was over the top, making the story neither sappy nor silly.
And, uhm... please tell me you're already working at a new story!
Author's reply
Thank you so much for this lovely review - it means so much to know people enjoy a story! I love the twins, and I love angst as well - but too much is too draining, so I throw in some humour as well.
There will be more stories, but in the meantime, check out some of my other fics - and review!
Jay
Elendiari22
· 27 February 2004
· Chapter 19: Four Is Company
Oh, what a wonderful ending! I especially liked the ending lines. Thank you for writing this and sharing it with us!
Author's reply
I'm not that happy with the ending, it seems too rushed and bitty. I tried to tie up all the loose ends, but think I could have done it better. But I had to include Marla's baby!
Jay
Nilmandra
· 27 February 2004
· Chapter 19: Four Is Company
A fitting end! I am glad Bereth has a namesake, and that the four never lost their humor. Good story.
Author's reply
As soon as I realised that Marla was pregnant, I knew the baby had to called Bereth! It seemed a fitting touch. And while I try NOT to make the twins like Fred and George Weasley, I think there's a lot of laughter between them all.
Jay
Nilmandra
· 27 February 2004
· Chapter 18: Apologies
Oh, Elrohir is naughty! I am glad to see Elladan up and moving around though. It was good Elrohir could see behind the angry words to the grief of one brother who had lost another. That was a fear he knew only too well.
Author's reply
I had fun writing that scene at the end, so I'm glad people liked it. Elrohir could understand Beregar all too well, and especially after his own over-reaction when he found Beregar in Elladan's room.
Jay
daw the minstrel
· 27 February 2004
· Chapter 19: Four Is Company
Lovely finish, Jay. I like the concern this family shows for one another without being sappy at all. Just great.
Author's reply
Yes, it is *finally* finished. Although I always have the plot and know where a story is going, fics often end up far longer than I intended! A small incident ends up having a life of its own.
I try to show a deep, but unspoken love between the twins, and Arwen - and Legolas - they don't *need* to be demonstrative, they KNOW they care.
Jay
LKK
· 23 February 2004
· Chapter 18: Apologies
Good to see that Elrohir and the younger elf are no longer at odds. And to see that the mother holds no rancor towards Elrohir.
Do the young elflings call both twins Lord El? Or is that reserved for Elrohir? Or maybe they can't tell the twins apart and settled on Lord El as a way to always get it right?
Loved the ending moment between Elladan and Elrohir. Such a typical teasing brother moment.
This story seems like it wrapping up to a happy conclusion. Of course, I've thought that before about this story. LOL
LKK
Author's reply
Both the twins are 'Lord El' - the elflings can't tell them apart any more than anyone else, so it makes life easier. As I said to Daw, I wondered about that scene, and Elrohir's remark. I'm glad it worked. The story really is nearing the end this time, and I've about half finished the final chapter. But the plot bunnies are gathering under my desk ...
Jay
Elendiari22
· 14 February 2004
· Chapter 18: Apologies
Yay! An update! This is a gret chapter; I'm glad to see Elladan awake and well.
Author's reply
Yes, he is awake, and despite current appearances, he will be well. Eventually.
Jay
daw the minstrel
· 14 February 2004
· Chapter 18: Apologies
One of the things I like about this is that you don't portray these people as unmotivated villains or saints. People make mistakes but they can see reason and do better. And I like the collusion of the twins at the end against Elrond's orders that Elladan should stay in bed. I know what Elladan feels!
Author's reply
I try hard to make my characters three-dimensional, and also try to give the twins distinct personalities. I wondered for a long time whether to include that final scene, especially Elrohir's comment - was it too crude, did it sound slashy? Thankfully, people seem to have liked it!
Jay
LKK
· 4 January 2004
· Chapter 17: Conversations
Good to see that Elladan finally believes that Elrohir is alive and well! Now maybe he can get on with the business of healing. He'll have to curb his impatience though otherwise he might hinder the process somehow. (Why is it that an immortal race can be *so* impatient at times???)
I'm glad Beregar finally learned the truth about Elrohir's actions. Legolas handled the situation well. He could easily have become angered over Elrohir's treatment. But he kept Beregar's grief in mind and simply presented the facts. It must not have been an easy situation for him.
Good chapter, Jay. I've been hoping for an update for a bit now. :-)
LKK
Author's reply
Well, updates aren't usually this slow - hopefully things will improve now. Legolas did handle the situation well - but he has been trained as a diplomat in his father's court!
Jay
sofia
· 3 January 2004
· Chapter 17: Conversations
YAY! he's conscious again!
Author's reply
He is indeed - and getting better all the time. Thanks for the review!
Jay
FirstMate
· 3 January 2004
· Chapter 17: Conversations
Oh yay! Finally an update to "The Search!" I really enjoyed it (as always, of course). I liked the way Elladan kept looking over to Elrohir to make sure he hadn't been dreaming after all and also how Arwen for once was able to take care of her brothers. And I'm very glad that Legolas straightened out Beregar. He definitely owe's Elrohir a big apology and needed to know what a toad he'd been! Well, I know you're working on several stories, so I won't expect an update too soon, but I'll still be watching for it!
Author's reply
I'm glad you picked up on Elladan checking that Elrohir was really there - he's still a bit unsure. And I loved writing the role reversal of Arwen looking after her brothers, instead of the other way around. Beregar has now done the right thing, so matters are better there.
Now, I've finally updated, when will you?
Jay
Nilmandra
· 3 January 2004
· Chapter 17: Conversations
I am glad to see Elladan awake and aware that Elrohir still lived. Arwen did well to lull them both to sleep, especially after *not* telling Elrohir to get some rest!
Author's reply
Arwen knows her brothers well - she knows how to deal with them better than anyone. And I like to see her caring for them, for a change!
Jay
daw the minstrel
· 3 January 2004
· Chapter 17: Conversations
I'm glad to see an update to this story. You have several going at once, Jay. I could never do that. I would get too confused!
Things are going well here, I think. And even Beregar is making progress, although it is of a sad kind. It's nice to see Arwen looking after her brothers.
Author's reply
I've seen several stories where the twins are protective of Arwen - Nilmandra's History Lessons is a lovely example - so I thought I'd reverse their roles.
Having several stories at once *is* confusing, and it goes wrong at times like this, when I do not have time to update even one!
Jay
LKK
· 7 December 2003
· Chapter 16: Another Wanderer Returns
I have been gone so long, I bet you've forgotten who I am.
But I haven't forgotten your story. Your wonderful, emotional, roller coaster ride of a story.
What have I missed since my last review?
-- A beautiful portrayal of parents aching for a missing child. This is a side of the stories we so seldom see in fanfiction: the thoughts of the worried parents.
-- A switch in the brothers' worries. We spend many chapters fearing for Elrohir, only to have our concerns flipped to Elladan who believes his brother is dead.
-- A family in mourning, with a son who lashes out in anger over his grief. I hope someone explains to him what really happened and that he and Elrohir reach a peace before the story ends.
There are more wonderful moments in the chapters I missed reviewing, I know.
As for this chapter --- Elrohir's fear was heartwrenching. Celebrian's amusement at the "son of an orc" reference added a small (and welcome!) touch of comedic relief. I'm glad that Elladan made the decision to return even though he still believed Elrohir was dead. So many authors would have had Elladan learning that his twin was alive and *then* returning. Your way was far more powerful.
Although I didn't get every chapter reviewed, I loved every one. I feel like this story is drawing to a close. Of course, the last time I felt that way in this story, you surprised me by paralyzing Elladan. Any more evil surprises hiding in that pen of yours???
LKK
Author's reply
The story is winding down, but there will be one or two more chapters yet - a few loose ends to tie up. I hope to update this weekend, I haven't abandoned this story! I find angst easy to write, the happy families part is harder. That must say something about me!
Many thanks for your review - it's nice to know things from other chapters that you liked as well.
Jay
Yuna_Dax
· 21 November 2003
· Chapter 16: Another Wanderer Returns
WOOHOO!! Another brilliant chapter:) I am so loving the angst, but also the subtle humour you work in as well. The bit with Elrohir calling Elladan a ' Son of an Orc' then getting sprung was simply amazing :)
Alas I wait for more :)
Jules
Author's reply
There will be more, I promise. I just have a slight work overload at the moment. There will be more angst to come, but I'm glad you like the other touches as well. Although Elrohir is desperately worried, I could see him becoming frustrated with his brother's lack of response too.
Jay
daw the minstrel
· 21 November 2003
· Chapter 16: Another Wanderer Returns
Oh, that was nice. I am a little worried that Elladan can't hear his own voice but Elrohir seems to. Do you have yet more torment in store for us, Jay?
Author's reply
Not even I'm that evil, though I am reading a fic at the moment where Elrohir has been deafened by an explosion. The simple explanation is that Elladan did not speak out loud the first time, but Elrohir could lip read and recognised his own name. His *hearing* is fine!
Jay
Nilmandra
· 21 November 2003
· Chapter 16: Another Wanderer Returns
Very nice to see Galadriel's foresight, the messenger, Arwen racing home as a good siter ought and finally the family reunited. I like the picture in my head of Elrohir holding Elladan in his arms. Very nice.
Author's reply
Well, Elladan did inherit his foresight from her, after all! So I thought she had to be involved. And it was time for Arwen to share in some of the angst. I also build a picture in my mind of scenes, and would love to be able to draw that one of the twins!
Jay
Yuna_Dax
· 16 November 2003
· Chapter 15: Athela And Aeluin
EEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEKKKKKK :: feels very strange need to go hug Elrohir and to give Elladan a good swig of expresso to wake him up and get him out of bed::
Another brilliant chapter :) Angst gallore (wallows in angst like a good milk bath), splendif character developement...what more could a reader want?
More please!
:: sighs in contentment::
Jules AKA YunaDax
Author's reply
Sadly, I think it will take more than that to wake Elladan - there's more angst to come yet!
Jay
Nilmandra
· 16 November 2003
· Chapter 15: Athela And Aeluin
I am glad to see Elladan in his father's care and hopefully on the mend now, but it looks as if Elrohir just walked into trouble. Grief can make people say things they otherwise would not. Poor Elrohir - this is the last thing he needed.
Author's reply
Yes, poor Elrohir - he already feels guilty as it is. To find out now that someone else blames him is all he needs.
Jay
daw the minstrel
· 16 November 2003
· Chapter 15: Athela And Aeluin
Poor Elrohir. What a hard thing to have to do. Bereth's family must be suffering so.
Your description of the surgery on Elladan's arm made me squirm, but I have faith in Elrond. And if Elrohir thinks it's hard to care for a familyl member, he should think a little about how his father must feel treating him and his brother all the time!
Well done chapter, Jay. I was swept along right through it.
Author's reply
Yes, poor Elladan - I tried not to make it too gruesome. But at least he was safely out of it. I'm glad you were swept along, I felt this chapter lacked the pace of some of the others, because there is little action. But now Elrohir is in trouble again.
Jay