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Along Came A Spider  by Jay of Lasgalen 12 Review(s)
NilmandraReviewed Chapter: 7 on 12/5/2004
Sorry this is so late....I've been working doubletime lately.

Recovering from an illness is hard - and the balance between hovering and giving steps of independence is hard to reach. Elrohir still has a ways to go, but he did make it.

And Elrond and Celebrian got to ride Eagle Airlines! How cool is that?

Author Reply: Poor Elrohir is at that stage when he's well enough to be bored, and frustrated by his weakness and exhaustion :( He will get better in time, and will live to tease Elladan again.

I think both twins are very envious of their parents' flight with the eagles - it's probably been a dream of theirs since they were elflings. Sadly, I don't think either Elrond or Celebrían were able to appreciate it at the time.

LKKReviewed Chapter: 7 on 11/30/2004
phew! I think I was holding my breath throughout all the chapters I needed to catch up on. Thank goodness Elrohir is on the way to recovery. Although knowing you, he just might have a relapse!

Like Elrohir, I hadn't thought about the implications of refusing Namo's offer. Elrohir's imagining life as a Houseless One ... shudders ... truly a terrifying fate! Elrohir's decision seemed so simple and right at the time. But if Elladan had not been able to save his brother's body, how terribly wrong Elrohir's choice would have been.

Elrohir's bathing experience bothered me a bit. The strength required to bathe himself seemed to come too quickly in his recovery progress. And I could not imagine any healer allowing a patient to bathe privately on the patient's second or third day of getting out of bed. Bathing is one of the most exhausting and strenous activities a sick person can undertake. It can be a dangerous activity, as well, if undertaken too soon. The possibility of passing out is very real. But then I realized I hadn't factored in elven healing times. Since elves heal faster than humans, it could be possible for an elf patient to bathe himself so soon after waking up. But still, I'm glad you had Elrond scold him! Elrohir should not have dismissed his healer like that. He really could have passed out and drowned.

I hope that Elrohir is well and truly on the way to full recovery and that you don't turn into evil!author by giving him a relapse. But knowing you .... ;)

Good story, Jay. I'm glad I finally got a chance to catch back up with it!

LKK

Author Reply: Evil!author? Relapse? Would I do that? Well, I might, but not in this story - don't worry, Elrohir is safe for now.

The part about houseless spirits came from a plot bunny that escaped from a Halloween drabble, and it made me think about what could have happened - poor Elrohir!

You're quite right about Elrohir's bath - he knows he shouldn't have dismissed the healer, especially as he is still feeling faint and dizzy at times. I think Calmacil may have a word with young Thalion about abandoning a patient too! He's only an apprentice, and was a bit overwhelmed by Elrohir's glare.

As always, thanks for reviewing!

pipinheartReviewed Chapter: 7 on 11/27/2004

Really good...

This is really good... He is getting better and is regaining his strenghth,but his twinn won't be satisfied until he is back to where he was.
Soon,he will be there,but still has a way to go...

Keep up the good work...Update soon...

Author Reply: Yes, Elrohir is much better, but as you say, Elladan won't be happy until he's completely well again. As elves heal quickly, it shouldn't be too long now before he's up and about as normal.

Thanks for reviewing.

CreashunsReviewed Chapter: 7 on 11/27/2004
Wonderful story!
This last chapter is to true! No matter how old a child is they will Always be their Parents babies, er - elflings.
Creashuns



Author Reply: It must be odd for elves - two thousand years old, but still living at home with parents who are always (barring disaster) going to be active, healthy, and in charge!

Thanks for the review.

DeepBlueSomethingReviewed Chapter: 7 on 11/25/2004
This was a really sweet chapter. I'm glad Elrond set both the twins straight on the fact that they need to be more considerate of eachother's feelings in this situation. I thought it was really cute when Elrond helped Elrohir wash his hair.

There were also some funny parts to this chapter. The funniest by far was the idea of Elladan's bruised backside. It was almost as funny when Elrohir scared that healer away with his glare (LOL!).

I can't wait to see how this race between Legolas and Elladan turns out. Their argument was even funnier when Elrond and Thranduil joined in.

I have one question before I sign out. Where is Taniquel? Is she out on patrol maybe? Will she be coming by to visit Elrohir? Anyway, this was a great chapter. I really enjoyed it, and I look forward to the next one.

Author Reply: I liked writing the father/son scene. Elrohir may be a warrior of 2000 years, but there are times when he still needs family. I'm glad you liked the light relief with Elladan's bruises, and the poor healer!

The race was only going to be a mention of what Elladan had been doing, but it developed a life of its own - I'll have to write the outcome now!

I'd forgotten Taniquel! I think she's been in to see Elrohir - not that he's aware of it - and will be another reason to write that extra chapter.

Thanks for the review.

DotReviewed Chapter: 7 on 11/25/2004
Ah, yay! A new chapter and Elrohir is finally showing real improvement. Although, I think he’s rapidly reaching the point where he is well enough to want to do things for himself but not yet well enough to actually do them, which could lead to much frustration…

It can’t be easy to deal with the fact that death had so recently seemed such a welcome idea to him but even worse to think about how close he came to becoming caught between two worlds. And ‘alone’ must not be something he’s ever had to contemplate before. I think I’d have just done the same as he decides to do and push these thoughts to the back of my mind. At least he can be assured beyond a doubt of the great love his family have for him.

Mmm, a bath. There’s nothing like it after being a long time in bed. I had to laugh at the eager young apprentice volunteering to help and being glared at for his trouble!

“There were bruises too, on his arms and across his chest. How had he sustained those?” *cringe* I’d forgotten about that. Still, I think he’d forgive Elladan, and hopefully Elladan can forgive himself.

I loved the idea of Elrond helping his son to wash his hair. It was a lovely moment of intimacy for the two of them. I think Elrohir needed someone to guide him to see for himself the reason behind Elladan’s “hovering”. I guess realising exactly what his family went through is a little scary for him.

And of course Elrond also points out to Elladan that his twin needs some of his independence back. I thought you really did a great job of showing the little ways in which they’re both still struggling as Elrohir recovers – Elrohir needs more help than he wants while Elladan wants to give more help than he should. They’ll sort it out but I wouldn’t be surprised if there were a few more arguments along the way! I was so glad Elladan did go riding with Legolas and was able to have a little respite from the sick-room. Even though it sounds like he too could do with a hot bath to ease his aching behind – ouch! Thranduil seems to have joined in the general effort to lighten the atmosphere – it was fun to watch him tease his son! It sounds like it could be a while before Elrohir will be on a horse if he’s likely to have spells of dizziness so perhaps Legolas could take his horse and “poor Calegdal” will be saved the discomfort?!!

There was such a relaxed ending to the chapter too, with the twins just chatting as normal and then settling down to sleep together without really questioning whether it was necessary. At least Elrohir can look forward to leaving that little room soon. And all pain and fear seem to have vanished for now, leaving a lovely, peaceful image of them relaxed and content with each other. Wonderful chapter as always! :-)


Author Reply: Thanks for the lovely long review! You are right that Elrohir is at that stage of healing when he thinks he is able to do more than he can. There will be an interesting balancing act between the twins - Elrohir's need for independence against Elladan's protectiveness. There will indeed be sparks. Elrond did a good job coming between them to remind them both of that.

You're right that being alone - really alone - is not something that Elrohir's ever thought about before. That would have been equally hard for him.

I enjoyed writing the part where Elrond helps Elrohir, and does a little healing as well. It was a nice father/son moment. I'm glad you liked the apprentice being kicked out!

I realised when I wrote that quiet, peaceful ending scene that I've done so before in another story - and then all Hell broke loose! Rest assured, Elrohir is not about to have a relapse. I can see I'm going to have to do another chapter in addition to the epilogue that was coming next - including a bath for poor, aching Elladan and The Race.

elliskaReviewed Chapter: 7 on 11/25/2004
This was wonderful. It is good to see both twins relatively healthy and happy enough to be teasing poor Legolas and his horse. Legolas is so horrified at the idea of putting a saddle on his horse. Too funny. And Thranduil joining in. I can definitely see that. Great job. Sorry to see this one ending.

Author Reply: The twins are both much better now - Elrohir physically, and Elladan mentally now that he's not so worried.

I nearly always write book-verse, so of course Legolas doesn't use a saddle! Glorfindel did, though, so I thought the other elves from Imladris probably would. It's one of the ways to make them different, as well. I liked Thranduil teasing Legolas too.

I hope your family enjoyed the rest of Thanksgiving, despite the early awakening!

lwarrenReviewed Chapter: 7 on 11/24/2004
After the tension and fear of the previous chapters, it is good to see Elrohir snapping at others and trying to reassert his independence! I suppose healers do make the worst patients - they know it all, of course *g* and must submit to the care of others! :-) Legolas was very astute in thinking Elladan needed time away from the sick room, and to challenge him to races without saddle or bridle! Well, I guess that gave El other things to think about, like how not to get thrown on his head! A good, calm chapter, Jay...no Halls or Namo or spiders in sight, thank the Valar! Update soon - any more baths in sight? *slaps self* Sorry...elves in baths do strange things to my thought processes!

linda
(BTW, have a wonderful Thanksgiving!)

Author Reply: Thank you - and the same to all my US friends. Here in the UK, November 25th is just another day, though.

Poor Elrohir - although he's healing, and knows why he still feels lousy, crabby and tired, it doesn't make it any easier for him!

Another bath? Well, maybe Elladan will need to soak his aches and pains. ;)

French PonyReviewed Chapter: 7 on 11/24/2004
Getting better, but still weak. That's the most frustrating time of being sick. When you know that you can do everything for yourself, but you just need a little more time to do it. And you keep falling asleep. And you still hurt just a little. And then you admit that you're really glad to have Mom and Dad around (if they are around, which they are, in this case).

So where is Legolas going to find a saddle for Calegdal?

Author Reply: 'Getting better, but still weak.' I thought that was a comment on my writing at first! ;)

Poor Elrohir. That describes his stage of illness perfectly, I think. He is better, but still healing.

I don't think the twins would make Legolas saddle Calegdal - that would be cruel. They may, however, make him ride one of their horses with a saddle, though! It would be revenge for Elladan's bruised backside (on which I have already offered to rub soothing salve ;)

daw the minstrelReviewed Chapter: 7 on 11/24/2004
Now I feel a longing for a hot bath and a nap between my nice flannel sheets. :-)

I'm glad to see both twins so much better. Elrohir is regaining his strength and feeling better mentally too, and Elladan seemed to really need that time away. Riding without a saddle sounds painful! Does Legolas have callouses that protect him, do you think. ;0

Author Reply: There's nothing like a bath and clean sheets, espcially when you've been in bed for ages. Elrohir is appreciating the little luxuries in life at the moment (like being alive). You're right - both twins are on the mend now.

My knowledge of riding bareback is based entirely on a discussion at SoA about the benefits of riding with a saddle - apparently it's more comfortable for both horse and rider. I'm not sure if Tolkien knew that when he had Legolas ride Arod without, but I had to stick with it.

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