Letters by Jay of Lasgalen
Agape4Gondor · 16 November 2008 · Chapter 9: Dear Taniquel, (prompt: 'Friendship')
Well - of course I can't read this without going to read the other. Thanks for the note... I'm hoping this trip of their mother's isn't the 'fateful' one upon her return............ :(
Author's reply
I hope you enjoy the other tale - it's angsty, but at least it has a happy ending! As for Celebrían's trip, just look at the date ... :(
Larner · 14 November 2008 · Chapter 9: Dear Taniquel, (prompt: 'Friendship')
Only we know what event took place to cause him to not follow through on that visit.... Alas for that and what might have been. And we know he ever cursed the orcs who took his mother captive!
Author's reply
The more I thought about it, the more I felt they should have married - but something happened that kept them apart. This catstrophic event destroyed their future :(
Ces · 14 November 2008 · Chapter 9: Dear Taniquel, (prompt: 'Friendship')
Well Jay, you know Tani and Elrohir are two of my favorite people! Too bad he didn't get to see her on his trip as I fear they won't see each other for quite a long time if Celebrian's fateful trip is any indication. I do hope that eventually you let those two be together forever. It is funny that Elrohir will probably never recall that enchanted river incident - although I'm positive Elladan takes great pleasure of reminding him of it every chance he gets, and I'm sure Legolas doesn't let too many meetings go by without a mention of it either!
Author's reply
*Sigh* Elrohir had big plans for his next visit - but it never happened :( One day, I promise I will write Elrohir and Taniquel together - I already have several pages in draft, but the story is still a long way off. Poor Elrohir will never remember falling in the river, though Elladan reminds him every time he mentions Tani - which is quite often ... :>)
Kitty · 14 November 2008 · Chapter 9: Dear Taniquel, (prompt: 'Friendship')
Elrohir glossed quite over his accident on the mountain, didn't he? And of course Elladan is behaving like a mother hen. What did Elrohir expect, after getting himself nearly killed? Well, I have an idea what this important question might be that Elrohir wants to ask Taniquel. Though the remark about accompanying Celebrían to Lórien and a look at the date gives me the bad feeling this meeting will not happen any time soon. (Sorry, but I seem not able to take my mind off the future). But this letter makes me wonder if you will ever write a story about Elrohir and Taniquel later on in Valinor?
Author's reply
Of course Elladan is behaving like a mother hen - and of course Elrohir is going to resent it! *Sigh* You're probably right about the important question - and that it won't get asked in the end. I'm going to write them one day, though.
Laikwâlassê · 6 September 2008 · Chapter 8: Greetings, Arathorn My Brother, (prompt: 'Dream')
Elrohir´s dream or vision sounds so harmless and joyful but we all know what tragedy lies behind this image. Another heartbreaking letter. Thank you. I look very much forward for the next letters. Lai
Larner · 6 September 2008 · Chapter 8: Greetings, Arathorn My Brother, (prompt: 'Dream')
The joy of the wedding and irritation offered by the twins, and grief for those of us who know ahead of time why it is that the child is within the confines of Rivendell with his mother rather than living with his own people. Excellent!
Kitty · 6 September 2008 · Chapter 8: Greetings, Arathorn My Brother, (prompt: 'Dream')
Nice letter, and it fits in very well with the other ficlet. So Ivorwen has convinced Dírhael to accept Arathorn as a son-in-law, just like the twins told him! I’m glad Elrohir dreamed only of Estel playing in Imladris, not about Arathorn’s death. It was a nice image (I'd certainly not mind to see the twins playing with little Estel in another fic!), and it would have been so hard for the twins to go to the wedding and to know how short this marriage will last.
Author's reply
Yes - the other story was a direct inspiration for this letter! We *know* that Dirhael agreed in the end - but it was fun for the twins to proclaim 'We told you so!' Elrohir's dream/vision was a happy one, with much fun and laughter. I can't imagine how hard it would have been had he dreamed of the reasons behind it :( BTW, there's a story with Elrohir and young Estel: Star Gazing
Agape4Gondor · 5 September 2008 · Chapter 8: Greetings, Arathorn My Brother, (prompt: 'Dream')
Another just tear my heart out letter. I do so love the thought that these two were Arathorn's friends too... I don't know why I never considered it before. The dream is beautiful - I guess it's a good thing we cannot always see the 'entire' picture.... Excellent letter... but you know I love your letters!
Author's reply
Thank you! The sons of Elrond must have befriended many heirs of Isildur as they were fostered in Imladris - and loved some of them. Elrohir sees only what he dreamed - a happy family scene. It's us who read more into it :)
ellie · 5 September 2008 · Chapter 8: Greetings, Arathorn My Brother, (prompt: 'Dream')
Beautiful but sad, too becuase we know that the means to the end of the vision Elrohir had were not what he had believed. at least he was able to tell Arathorn taht he would have a son. Love these letters!
Author's reply
I'm glad you're enjoying these letters! I didn't want this one to feel too sad - what Elrohir saw was joyful, with Gilrean and Estel both laughing and happy. Life continues, after all.
shirebound · 5 September 2008 · Chapter 7: Dear Elladan (prompt: 'Choice')
This is just beautiful.
Author's reply
Thank you! Like Elrohir, I was agonising over how to approach this - when his choice suddenly seemed so clear and simple to me.
Elena Tiriel · 5 September 2008 · Chapter 8: Greetings, Arathorn My Brother, (prompt: 'Dream')
Oh, this is lovely, Jay! A delightful mix of warm wishes and brotherly teasing... with a dash of unrecognized chilling foresight. *sniffle* Nicely done! - Barbara
Author's reply
I'm glad you liked this. Elrohir is of course delighted at Arathorn's news, and I rather liked the idea of including them in the ceremony as 'best men elves'. Elrohir is not used to having foresight or prophetic dreams, so although he knows this will happen one day, he has no idea of the circumstances leading to what he has seen.
Bodkin · 30 March 2008 · Chapter 7: Dear Elladan (prompt: 'Choice')
Yes, I think Elros and Elrond's example might well push Elrohir into deciding that sharing their future was more important than where that future was ... BUT THEY SAIL!!! Right? In time.
Author's reply
They sail, both of them - eventually. But while I was thinking about how they finally reached that decision, this solution came to me and it just seemed so right! Now I'm thinking about Elladan's response when he receives the letter ...
Bodkin · 30 March 2008 · Chapter 6: My Dearest Mother (prompt: 'Time')
Poor Elrohir. He did well to put a positive spin on that first draft. Imladris must have been a desolate place over those first years. I'm not surprised Arwen took refuge with her grandparents. At least the twins could get out and kill things.
Author's reply
I suppose the fact that Elrohir realised he needed to put a positive spin on things is good. He's not so far gone he can't see how grim things are. While thinking and writing about this I felt very sorry for Arwen. Her brothers had each other, and killed orcs as a release, and her father shut himself away with his books. She must have felt very isolated. No wonder she fled to Lórien.
Edlyn · 28 March 2008 · Chapter 7: Dear Elladan (prompt: 'Choice')
Oh, this was utterly PERFECT! What other choice could he possibly make? I can't imagine being separated from my own twin for all eternity. I can stand being physically separated by distance, jobs and family necessity but the idea of living on forever without her somewhere out there... well, the idea it devastating. I honestly think that Elladan feels the same way and they'll probably end up doing something like flipping a coin to determine which path they will take. A lovely, lovely piece of wrodcraft, mellon-nin. Edlyn
Author's reply
Thank you, Edlyn! I didn't know that you were a twin, but the way I see Elladan and Elrohir, I can't imagine them being parted for all time. They have to stay together! Since writing this, I've started thinking about Elladan's response on reading the letter. I think I'll have to write that, as well ... Jay
Agape4Gondor · 27 March 2008 · Chapter 7: Dear Elladan (prompt: 'Choice')
*sobs* Excellent letter - and what a hideous choice for any Elf - but particularly for twins. Perhaps it is best that Elros made the choice he did; that way, the twins can see how awful it would be to know that your brother was dead... alive... without you... Very, very well written.
Author's reply
Thank you, Agape. The more I think about it, the more I think the Valar were rather cruel in setting this choice before the Peredhel. They face great loss no matter which fate they choose :( Jay
Rhyselle · 27 March 2008 · Chapter 7: Dear Elladan (prompt: 'Choice')
Oh, this is my favorite of the letters by far! I'm sitting here beaming and also with a lump in my throat from the emotional impact of this particular contribution to the whole series. I adore Elrohir's choice... it just feels so right. It's not where you live but whom you love that makes a home. Wonderfully phrased, and beautifully presented. Well done, Jay!
Author's reply
Thank you, Rhyselle! I was thinking through several ways for Elrohir to make Elladan listen to him - and it suddenly seemed so simple. It's not a choice between mortality and immortality, it's a choice to be together or be parted. And that's easy. As you say, it felt so right for Elrohir to make that decision!
6336 · 26 March 2008 · Chapter 7: Dear Elladan (prompt: 'Choice')
Well that puts the ball firmly in Elladans court, let's hope he chooose as his father did, I am not sure Elrond can stand to loose any more of his family, he has lost so much. The Valar must really love him! Lynda
Author's reply
The way I see it, Elrohir has trusted his life to Elladan many times - so he trusts him with this choice. He's already made his own preference clear. I'm quite sure the twins sailed in the end, and were reunited with their parents :>)
Kitty · 26 March 2008 · Chapter 7: Dear Elladan (prompt: 'Choice')
Very touching, Jay! And I am sure the simple decision to stay with Elladan would give Elrohir peace - these two love each other too much to make different choices. Now Elladan should have the grace to agree to sail! I'm still clinging to the little bit of hope that JRRT's remark in the letters somewhere gave me, that they delayed their choice, what means they still could sail, though they didn't leave with Elrond. You know, there are times when I imagine him sitting somewhere beyond the circles of the world or wherever he is, surrounded by fans, answering their questions and telling more tales about Middle-earth. And of course, reassuring all the fangirls who want to know what happened to Elladan and Elrohir ;-)
Author's reply
I just love that image of JRRT answering questions from fans! I have a few questions of my own for him ... The comment that they 'delayed their choice' means to me that it wasn't yet made. And thank you for noticing that although Elrohir leaves the final decision up to Elladan, he still states his own preference to sail!
Larner · 26 March 2008 · Chapter 7: Dear Elladan (prompt: 'Choice')
No matter which choice the two of them make in the end, whether it is for mortality or the life of the Eldar, I agree--these two brothers should remain together. Very thoughtfully presented.
Author's reply
I think they became immortal, but it's more important that they stayed together. I once wrote a drabblet where they chose different fates, but even *I* find it heartbreaking to read!
Lianna · 25 March 2008 · Chapter 7: Dear Elladan (prompt: 'Choice')
That was very apt. I like to think that they sailed, though, sometime after Aragorn and Arwen were gone. It would be so hard for Elrond and Celebrian to be separated from all three of their children, and as far as we know, Elladan and Elrohir didn't have a compelling reason to stay in the way that Arwen did.
Author's reply
Yes - I'm sure they both sailed in the end. I don't want them to become mortal and die!!
docmon · 25 March 2008 · Chapter 7: Dear Elladan (prompt: 'Choice')
What a beautiful expression of brotherly love.
Author's reply
Thank you. It's that deep love that I so like to see between the twins.
eliza · 25 March 2008 · Chapter 7: Dear Elladan (prompt: 'Choice')
Jeez Jay, I don't know whether to be happy or sad. Every time I read these letters I end up as crying mess. My husband and sons run for cover every time (humm, wait a minute, this might not be so bad after all.) Well done, I'm glad Elrohir came to his conclusion, I too can't imagine them apart.
Author's reply
This should be happy. Elrohir realised that he would never be content or happy if he and Elladan chose different fates, so although he'd rather sail in the end, he'll accept whatever Elladan decides. I'm sorry you end up crying - should I take it as a compliment?
daw the minstrel · 25 March 2008 · Chapter 7: Dear Elladan (prompt: 'Choice')
Wow. Now that's putting your fate in someone else's hands.
Author's reply
Yes - but he's trusted his life to Elladan so many times before, so is this really any different? I just can't imagine them being parted. Jay
Larner · 25 March 2008 · Chapter 6: My Dearest Mother (prompt: 'Time')
Definitely a case of being all too able to read between the lines. What was truly being felt is being so diplomatically hidden beneath platitudes. I grieve with them.
Author's reply
I think it helped Elrohir to put his true feelings into words here - even though he knows no-one will never read them. The challenge for me was to contrast his emotions with what he actually told Celebrían.
Agape4Gondor · 24 March 2008 · Chapter 6: My Dearest Mother (prompt: 'Time')
Oh my! *shivers in sadness* I do love the feel of the strike-outs, though I'm sure Elrohir rewrote the whole thing before sending it off to Cirdan. Very well written - I wonder how much of the 'hidden' message I would have gleaned if you had only shared the 'revised' letter. Thank you for sharing this poignant insight into the confines of Rivendell after Celebrian's sailing.
Author's reply
Like the letter to Elladan, this version was never meant to be read. The one eventually sent to Celebrían was the edited, bland rewrite. I think readers would have been able to read between the lines a bit, but the strikeouts show the depth of Elrohir's sense of pain and loss. Thank you for reviewing these letters - I have four more to go!