Reviews (7)

docmon · 20 October 2004 · Chapter 1: View Us as Victors, or View Us No More

wow, that was powerful. the imagery, of blood so thick you can taste it. the grief, of the twins for the death and their role in it, all of this is terrific. your phrasing is wonderfully done. I like how you ended it, repeating how he could taste blood. It was very poignant. monica

xsilicax · 6 January 2004 · Chapter 1: View Us as Victors, or View Us No More

*eyes widen* That is a very distressing and very plausible description of Arathorn's death. The twins, still mired in grief at Celebrian's passing, may well have been driven to attack even when overmatched. Oh I hope so much that it didn't happen that way for them; their grief was extremely poignant. Cathy, xx

fliewatuet · 28 October 2003 · Chapter 1: View Us as Victors, or View Us No More

Hmm, I don't think I would complain if I were kidnapped by the sons of Elrond. Though I'd prefer being kidnapped by some northern D&ucute;nedain, Aragorn or Halbarad preferably ... But I digress ... Excellent story, as always. Nice and dark, just the way I like it. And I quite reasonable gapfiller at that. Will there be more? Not that the story cannot stand on its own, by now way. I am just curious.

meckinock · 26 October 2003 · Chapter 1: View Us as Victors, or View Us No More

Your depiction of Elladan and Elrohir's guilt over Arathorn's death is breathtakingly poignant and, in my opinion, exactly on the mark. You have really driven home how the loss of a comrade on the field of battle inspires feelings of guilt, even more so given Arathorn's special status in history and his special relationship to their own house. It was touching to see how strongly it affected them to see Arathorn's body lying cold and lifeless before them, and how they must have looked harder at their own actions and motivations in that moment than ever before.

The Karenator · 25 October 2003 · Chapter 1: View Us as Victors, or View Us No More

bryn, This was so emotional. You did an excellent job of capturing the turmoil of the twins as they reviewed the events and what they perceived as their own failings. Whether or not there were any failings on their part is probably not as important as the fact that they believed they should have somehow prevented Arathorn's death. To me, this seems a rather normal reaction to a death that wounded them deeply. I mean, rangers and elves alike, know that death is always a possiblility when engaging in battle. I think what makes your take on this unigue and very intriguing is that you give these feelings voice in such a way that I have never seen...and that is the exploration of the guilt they felt. While Arathron's death may not have been completely a surprise under the circumstances, you dared to go into the feelings of the companions who actually called the charge. I liked this, bryn. It stands well on its own, but I think you could go on if the twins continue to need your shoulder. I'm sure you wouldn't want to turn them away......they 'are' feelings bad....:>) Karen

Nilmandra · 25 October 2003 · Chapter 1: View Us as Victors, or View Us No More

Wow. That is an interesting perspective on the sons of Elrond and the potential consequences of them hunting orcs for those centuries. Oh, my, I *hope* it didn't happen this way. Fault vs poor judgment? The orcs killed Arathron, but could they have led them Arathorn into a battle they shouldn't have been fighting? But - then again, the Dunedain Chieftains were not passive followers. I do not think Arathorn was easily led astray.... Do you see how you make us think?!!

Jay of Lasgalen · 25 October 2003 · Chapter 1: View Us as Victors, or View Us No More

I love this story. The twins are my favourite characters, but the interpretation that they were responsible for Arathorn's death is certainly unusual. The depth of guilt and anguish that they feel is very well written. It's a good explanation of why Aragorn was taken to Rivendell and raised by Elrond. Although this seems complete in itself, a sequel would be wonderful! Jay