Stories of Arda Home Page
About Us News Resources Login Become a member Help Search

Letter From Elladan  by Jay of Lasgalen 10 Review(s)
Rose SaredReviewed Chapter: 1 on 5/1/2004
sniff, awww, sniff.

Elendiari22Reviewed Chapter: 1 on 2/28/2004
*Thud* Sheesh, Jay! I can't imagine ever having to write a letter like this, especially to my parents. It's so sad, and yet really beautiful, too. Thanks for sharing!

Author Reply: As I've said before, I think Elladan did not really expect to survive, and he knew that Imladris was doomed whatever happened. Thankfully, it never had to be sent.

Jay

Lasse-LantaReviewed Chapter: 1 on 2/28/2004
Jay, This is just so perfect. I'll bet a thousand young men have written the same kind of letter home during war. The writing is wonderful, giving all the love Elladan has for his family, touching on the silent fears and showing us the incredible bravery of those who would face down evil. Really good job!

Author Reply: I think the emotions felt before battle have not changed for thousands of years.

Rereading the chapter 'The Last Debate', I realised just how hopeless the battle must have seemed, and Gandalf's words made me think. 'There are names among us that are worth more than a thousand mail-clad knights apiece', - and I think the twins would be among them.

Jay

kirienneReviewed Chapter: 1 on 2/28/2004
Oh, Jay, This is wonderful! I can just see The Twins each in privacy from the other, penning such a letter to their Adar. It was so heart wrenching to read this wonderfuly moving piece.

Author Reply: I'll have to think about a letter from Elrohir - I was intending this to be a stand-alone piece!

Jay

NilmandraReviewed Chapter: 1 on 2/28/2004
Thank goodness this never had to be sent, but oh, how true that all ends would end in some grief for the family of Elrond.

Nicely written, Jay.

Author Reply: I think this must have been a very difficult time for the twins - expecting they could easily be killed, and that in any case thier home was doomed.

Jay

shireboundReviewed Chapter: 1 on 2/28/2004
That is just wonderful. What a beautifully worded letter! Did Elrohir also write one? (hint)

Author Reply: Why did you have to release that plot bunny? Now look what you've done! (Jay kicks bunnies back under the desk). I'll ask Elrohir about it.

Jay

NikaraReviewed Chapter: 1 on 2/28/2004
That was very sweet, and very sorrowful. I was re-reading the Council of Elrond today, and I noticed a few things. One of those was how, if the ring had been gained by Sauron, Mithrandir, Galadriel, and Elrond would have been utterly and completely doomed. It certainly adds to the things at stake during LotR. Great job!

Author Reply: Imladris was doomed in any case, but greater things were at stake than even that. It canot have been an easy time for any of the elves.

Jay

Kitt of LindonReviewed Chapter: 1 on 2/28/2004
Powerful words. It is bittersweet when he points out the fact that Imladris will fade either way, and the other pros and cons of victory.

Author Reply: Elladan did not really expect to survive, and he knew that no matter what, Imladris was doomed. It must have seemed a high price to pay.

Jay

ElvenesseReviewed Chapter: 1 on 2/28/2004
That would not be a very nice letter for Elrond to receive, short but powerfully moving. I liked the way he sets out the fates of Imladris, either way there is so much to lose.

Author Reply: Thankfully, Elrond never *did* receive the letter - it was only to be sent if Elladan was killed. But no matter what, the elves lost.

Jay

daw the minstrelReviewed Chapter: 1 on 2/28/2004
Geez, Jay. You're really cranking out the good stuff this weekend. This was a wonderful short piece. The letter lays out the situation so starkly, but is also loving without being maudlin. It is very moving. How difficult it must have been for Elladan (if not for you) to write such a letter.

Author Reply: This letter, and the other chapter (Shadows) have been on my hard drive, in varying stages of completeness, for some time. It's just a question of *finishing* them!

Rereading The Last Debate, even Gandalf did not really expect any of them would survive the battle - but they went anyway.


Jay

Return to Chapter List