Stop! STOP! You're making me hungry when you described what they ate. At least the three was in it together, it would of been a nightmare if only one of them had to do all of that by themselves. Good ol' Glorfindel, always there when you need him. Can't wait for more.
-sofia
Author's reply
I think the three had fun working together, and it made the punishment not nearly so bad. The food did sound good, didn't it? I made myself hungry writing it!
I'm getting to like Glorfindel, and he's a very good person for the twins to talk to about things. Elrohir will be having another chat with him soon in a different story.
Lianna
· 6 December 2004
· Chapter 31: Confession
Maybe it's best that Elrohir didn't tell his father. There will always be twinges of guilt for him, knowing that he didn't tell, and those twinges may help him to remember the importance of the lessons learned on this occasion.
I say this as the grown-up incarnation of a 16-year-old who never told her father what REALLY happened on the day when she put that dent in his car. That incident happened more than 30 years ago, and I still feel more than a bit guilty. But perhaps more important, for three decades I have always been really, really careful to avoid repeating the extremely stupid and dangerous driving error that ruined the bumper of my dad's Pontiac.
I do wonder about Legolas, though. He doesn't seem to have any Glorfindel-equivalents in his life. There doesn't seem to be anyone for him to talk to. But perhaps he feels less guilt anyway because Elrohir is the older one and because it wasn't Legolas's responsibility to know the hazards and peculiarities of the area around Imladris. Things would be different if this sort of incident had happened in Lasgalen.
I suspect that this story is nearing its end. I will miss it.
Author's reply
I know what you mean about those youthful misdemeanours. My mother is only now finding out about some of the things my brother and I did as children - I'm 44, he's 49. I think Elrohir will learn from this.
You're right that Legolas doesn't have someone like Glorfindel. The nearest he's got is Calmacil, the healer, and Mireth, who helped look after him as a baby and again after his mother died. I don't think he has any secrets from Thranduil though, so will probably tell him soon. Because he doesn't have the extended family the twins do, he's much closer to his father.
This story will end soon, but there will always be another one!
Bodkin
· 6 December 2004
· Chapter 31: Confession
What a lovely elfling Elrohir is! (Actually they all are.) It's very difficult to confess to something when those around you don't want to admit to it. Glorfindel made an excellent solution. And Elrohir put himself in Glorfindel's hand without exacting promises of silence.
(How long, do you reckon, before Legolas feels guilty enough to tell his adar? I don't think he'll be able to hold his tongue until he's adult.)
I'm glad to see them working hard in the kitchens - and I think it's very funny that Elrond, Celebrian and Thranduil all sent messages to see that they had their own private party after they had finished their penance.
Most enjoyable. More please.
(I still can't get over your having killed off the elf. You'll have to write a different story with happier outcomes.)
Author's reply
Killing the elf was AU. He's alive and well in all my other stories!
Here, Elrohir is young enough to need to confess to someone, and to hug Glorfindel in thanks; but he's mature enough to learn from this experience and appreciate the true danger they were in.
I'm not sure when the parents will find out about this. Perhaps they will work it out for themelves. If they knew now, they wouldn't have asked for the private celebration, that's for sure!
Nilmandra
· 5 December 2004
· Chapter 31: Confession
Oh, I am glad that Elrohir got this off his chest. He did need to tell someone and be forgiven, and he can tell his parents in another hundred years or so.
And a little kitchen work never hurt anyone!
Author's reply
They say confession is good for the soul, and it certainly was in Elrohir's case. Glorfindel said all the right things, and Elrohir has definitely learned a lot from this escapade.
I think working together with the chores helped their willingness!
elliska
· 5 December 2004
· Chapter 31: Confession
I'm so glad you came back to this one. It is one of my favorites. Poor twins and Legolas doing all those chores during the feast. Must be a little embarassing to not be at the feast held in your own honor for Legolas. Elrohir's little conversation with Glorfindel was interesting. I would pay to have a picture of the look on Glorfindel's face when he admited they saw trolls. That must have been priceless. I wonder if this will truly get past Elrond and Thranduil.
Author's reply
It's been a while, but I didn't forget the story! The punishment is one they won't forget in a hurry, but they acquitted themselves well.
Glorfindel is rather like an uncle to the twins, and has often heard confessions from them, I think - though not like this one! Elrond and Thranduil? Perhaps they will work it out - in a few years.
Thanks for the review.
daw the minstrel
· 5 December 2004
· Chapter 31: Confession
These three did themselves proud by taking their medicine like "men" so to speak. And then Elrohir apparently chose just the right confidante. Good for Glorfindel. He's right. The message got across and that's what matters anyway.
Author's reply
They aren't the type to sulk and whine about their punishment, so got on with it. I expect the Dorwinion helped, too!
I'm finding that Glorfindel has a very good relationship with the twins, especially Elrohir. The two will have another little chat soon, about a different matter that concerns them both. In this case, Elrohir badly need to talk to someone, and Glorfindel was there.
Thanks for reviewing!
Rhapsody
· 8 October 2004
· Chapter 30: Consequences
Argh no.. no more next button.. what to do next.. I will join the legion of people who await your next chapter then.
Elronds last words.. did you mean George Bush senior? In a way I can imagine that. Poor Elladan, guilty by obmission, he told the Ada's that Elrohir and Legolas went hunting? But well, I can see the possible mischief they can cause in the kitchen. Well done Jay, I enjoyed this story immensly!
Author's reply
It was GB junior - apparently he has twin daughters. I read it somewhere, and it just seemed so right!
There will be another chapter, possibly two, but this story is winding down now. I can't cope with so many stories on the go at once! Thank you so much for reading the whole of this (rather long) story, and reviewing so faithfully! I have plenty of ideas for new stories already (sigh) - the problem is finding time to write them all!
Rhapsody
· 8 October 2004
· Chapter 29: The River Wild
That was impressive... wow Elrohir that can control the river Bruinen! A big learning moment for Elrohir.. no deed goes unpunished. Ah and Elladan fell asleep, I can't help it, but he is my favorite of the twins. Oh I can still click on next. Pfew.
Author's reply
Elrohir did well here, although he surprised himself rather. Poor Elladan - he is rather worried about his brother, and knows that something has happened to him!
Rhapsody
· 7 October 2004
· Chapter 27: The Troll Hunt
Wow! Finally the hot-blooded Elrohir being so incredibly angry. Puberty. Poor guys.
This paragraph precisely sums up what bothers him:
Elrohir had been waiting for an apology from Elladan all day – anything; a word, a gesture, a look; something to take back the sting of his earlier words. But strangely, now that the apology had been made, it changed nothing. He had gone too far to back out now, too far to swallow his own pride. He put on his cloak, swung the satchel over his shoulder, picked up his bow and arrows and was finally ready. “I’m still going, El. I have to. Just – just to prove to you that I can. And to prove it to myself.”
Oh my, they have found a troll... they do have this thing of getting into trouble...
Author's reply
I think Elrohir is usually very easy-going, so to see him flare up like that was a surprise to everyone, especially Elladan. I don't see why elves shouldn't suffer from puberty and hormones like the rest of us, after all.
Poor Elrohir backed himself into a corner here. He would have felt a coward if he hadn't gone.
Did you really think this would happen without incident?
Rhapsody
· 7 October 2004
· Chapter 26: And The Winners Are ...
Legolas showed his quality! Especially at the end when he gives his medal, of which he thinks he did not earn to the little lass. I am just wondering what Elladan & Elrohir will learn from it.
And I knew Haldir would judge right!
Author's reply
I don't think Elladan and Elrohir are quite so competitive (only against each other) so they wouldn't be so devastated at the interruption of the contest.
I think Erestor needs to get over himself though - he didn't need to mention disqualification, did he?
Rhapsody
· 7 October 2004
· Chapter 25: The Archery Contest
Gods... the end had me with tears in my eyes. Yes he deserved the honour to win and yet he walks away, feeling the failure of almost failing to protect the child. He does value protection over competition.. he is a very chivalrous young man. But does he feel ashamed of failing his Ada in winning or that he almost shot the child? Mmm, need to think on that one.
Author's reply
He does feel ashamed, but not for any of the reasons that you're thinking. And he knows his father would never fault him for not winning. Poor Legolas.
Rhapsody
· 7 October 2004
· Chapter 24: The Games
As being the little sis to two older brothers... I love Arwen!!!
I had to laugh so hard when I read this line: They could hear her on the far side, hopping from one foot to the other with impatience, urging them to hurry. “Oh, come on, you two! Someone will catch us up soon! I can hear another team coming up the bank!”
And that moment just before the finish how they carried her over it! How can you not love the Lord's little rascals?
Author's reply
I know that the twins were in fact much older than Arwen than I've got them here (they were adults of 111 when she was born). I wanted them to grow up together for this story though, so I could do scenes like that. I think they were very fond of their little sister, even if they do tease her.
Rhapsody
· 7 October 2004
· Chapter 21: Flight To The Ford
What a follow up! Yay Elladan! And there this wonderful dialogue came along:
Legolas looked up at the twins, still watching over him anxiously. “Yes, you did. Thank you.” It seemed very inadequate, and he gave them both a rather weak smile. “But there’s one thing I don’t think you need to worry about, in case you were wondering.”
Elladan looked puzzled. “What do you mean?”
Legolas coughed again, then explained: “Well, I don’t think I’m going to fall in love with either of you out of gratitude over this!”
“It’s not gratitude!” Elrohir protested hotly. “And I’m not in love with her! I like her because she’s beautiful, and clever, and brave, and funny, and – oh, shut up, El!”
This had me laughing on the floor! Elrohir's reaction! Brilliant! It makes me wanna pet Elrohir on his head and say: ofcourse you are not in love!
Oh and I loved this part as well:
If he was honest with himself, he felt utterly weary, and as weak as a new-born kitten. But he was alive. That was the important thing.
Author's reply
Because I wrote this story (or this part of it) some time ago, I've been re-reading it along with your reviews to remind myself of everything that happens. I'd almost forgotten this conversation! Can you see Legolas developing a crush on the twins because they saved his life? (Well, no, I can't, but it would be - interesting.)
I can imagine the teasing Elladan gives his brother over his reaction.
Rhapsody
· 7 October 2004
· Chapter 20: Troll Tales And River Racing
Legolas! No!!!! I need... to... click... on ... Next chapter fast!
On the edge of my seat... again. I am, in a way lucky that I have so many chapters left to read. :) This is good stuff!
Author's reply
At least you only have to suffer the cliffhangers for as long as it takes to click on 'next'! When you catch up, it will be different *evil grin*.
Rhapsody
· 7 October 2004
· Chapter 19: A Balrog is Coming!
Oh! I loved this version of how Glorfindel fought the balrog! He is one of my favorite Fist age elves, besides Fingolfin.
Arwen adores him and I cannot blame her. The past chapters I loved the way how you portrayed Celebrian. Elrond was deeply grieved when she sailed to the West and yes, by the way you put her on 'paper' I can imagine. Hair coloured if it was moonlight..
I was just wondering how Thandruil reacts to that kind of happiness in front of him. He surely must miss his wife..
Author's reply
I must say I like Glorfindel more and more. I see him as a favourite 'uncle' to the three, they're the nearest thing to having his own children.
It must be hard for Thranduil at times. Celebrían and Arwen remind him of his dead wife and daughter a lot.
Rhapsody
· 7 October 2004
· Chapter 18: Glorfindel of the House of the Golden Flower
Oh what a twist! Well done. Something I also liked was the change in the conversation at the tables. It was so naturally.. I loved it! Yet again: well done!
Oh and I loved this part:
"Alliara had taken one look at them, and clasped her hands in delight. “Twins! How delightful!” she cooed. “Celebrían, they look so adorable dressed the same like that! So sweet!” Scarlet with humiliation, Elladan and Elrohir had made their excuses and fled to the sanctuary of their rooms. They had never repeated the trick."
Poor Elladan, somehow I like him and Taniquel more then her with Elrohir. Mmm. I am just wondering what Elladan will do next.
Author's reply
I don't do evil!Thranduil, so many people guessed it was a trick. It was fun to write, though.
Poor twins - can you imagine how embarrassing the 'so sweet' comment must have been? Alliara and Celebrían were together in that! Elladan is not interested in Taniquel, it's only Elrohir who's got a crush on her.
Rhapsody
· 7 October 2004
· Chapter 17: A Warm Welcome
Oh no... poor Arwen.. She will be alright... will she? I loved the way you described Rivendell. By your words only I could imagine it very well!
Author's reply
Poor Arwen? Poor twins, I'd say - as you now know, it was a set up! I'm glad you liked the description of Imladris - I based it on Tolkien's descriptions in LOTR and The Hobbit, and artist's impressions of it.
LKK
· 5 October 2004
· Chapter 30: Consequences
Wow. Are the kids really going to get away with going to the Trollshaws without anyone finding out? They should be grateful if they do.
I worry that even though Elrohir knows his actions were foolish, the basic problem behind his actions isn't resolved. He still hasn't established himself as a person separate from Elladan. Until he does, Elrohir still might be inclined to behave irresponsibly. :(
I liked the Bush quote at the end. It did seem highly appropriate! LOL
Author's reply
Well, I think they might get away with it - seeing as they survive to the next story ...
Elrohir is usually very sensible. He knows what he did was stupid, and he's beginning to realise that he doesn't really want to be apart from Elladan that much. All he asks is a little space of his own ...
It says something sad about me when I read a satirical political quote and simply think 'Elrond would say something like that!!'
Rhapsody
· 5 October 2004
· Chapter 7: The Tapestry
“The little monster! I could kill him!”
That moment made my sip of tea ending up where.. eum never mind. It made me laugh. Enormously. I like the interaction between the elflings, the discovery of the tapestry featuring one of the famous Noldor ;) Lanatus most likely would have something to say about that. Speaking of this character, I think Denethor (the Steward) would have liked him. Can't believe that this was chapter 7 already.. it is going way to fast, but I am enjoying this... a lot!
Author's reply
Lanatus and Denethor - now there's a thought! I think you're right. It could have been Lanatus who put the tapestry in the store room in the first place, of course.
I'm glad you're enjoying this!
Rhapsody
· 5 October 2004
· Chapter 4: Spider Attack!
Oh my... this is really good! It made me wonder if you really tried to prepare the 'prank' yourself adn wrote down the lines while you did it. So full of detail. Amazing. This story is so hard to put down. Oh my Legolas faces real nasty spiders now..
Author's reply
I just tried to imagine how an inventive elfling like Legolas would make a fake spider. But I do have a shawl with a long black fringe ...
Thanks for reviewing!
Author Reply: BTW, Legolas and the twins (all grown up) face even worse spider trouble in my latest story 'Along Came Spider'. :( :(
Jay
Rose Sared
· 4 October 2004
· Chapter 30: Consequences
rather war than twins huh? I would believe it. Thanks for continuing this tale is is most enjoyable, but won't the proverbial hit the fan when the fathers find out where thier sons really went? other shoe material I reckon.
Rose
Author's reply
The twins and Legolas are living in dread that their parents will find out the truth. They think they're in trouble now - how much worse can it be? ;)
Creashuns
· 3 October 2004
· Chapter 29: The River Wild
The Troll grabbed Elrohir's bow and broke it,then both Elrohir and Logolas ran, surely Elrohir did not have time to pick up his bow, If patrols find Elrohir's bow out there in the wild then Elrohir will have some explaning to do, and Lying by omission would be very bad in Elrond's eyes(at least letting his Ada believe that they stayed withing the borders and knowing that they got away with a lesser punishment than they would if their fathers knew the truth.)
I know I have already reveiwed this chapter,but for the lack of getting any sleep last night I re-read this story and caught this detail :-)
Creashuns
Author's reply
Good point. Elrohir didn't stop to pick up the bow, he wasn't going anywhere near the troll again! So it's still there somewhere. Perhaps the trolls used it for firewood? Or the baby troll broke it into so many pieces it was unrecognisable. Let's hope the patrols don't go that way.
I hope that this gentle, relaxing story helped your sleeplessness! ;-)
Nilmandra
· 3 October 2004
· Chapter 30: Consequences
I was laughing at Elrohir's 'little lord' reaction to the guard - they'll break him down to size one day, when he is in training!
Hmm...why do I suspect that their fathers do know what they have done? Maybe not. Clearly, disappointing their parents is quite a blow to them, but suitable punishment helps too. And I agree about Elladan - sins of commission or sins of omission -they are wise to punish both.
Of course, knowing this trio, they'll manage to either get into some mischief while being punished or do something sweet or heroic.
Author's reply
The twins will one day be in command of these troops, so learning now is a start. They don't abuse the position, so shouldn't be resented too much. Elrond's and Thranduil's disappointment over what they do know is bad enough, so it may be as well for them to never find out the whole truth. A case of 'what they don't know won't hurt them'.
Rhapsody
· 3 October 2004
· Chapter 2: Ellahir or Elrodan?
I just noticed that the reviews you got were from 2003. Oh well :) This story has been a pleasant discovery so far! I had to laugh so hard when I read this:
“She keeps wanting to know why she can’t be a twin.” Elrohir explained.
Thranduil joined the conversation. “And what does Elrond say to that?”
“He said ...” Elrohir paused, sounding puzzled. “He said ‘Never again.’ I’m not sure what he meant.”
It is excellent. Still that innocence and Thandruil's reaction is brilliant! The encounter with the wolf and her cubs had me on the edge of the seat for a while. The story is captivating. And the thought of 28 chapters still to read makes me smile!
Author's reply
I started this story in January 2003, and it just 'growed'. I'm now on chapter 30! The three will have plenty of adventures in Lasgalen before the action moves to Imladris (where the current chapters are set). I also have plenty of other stories for your perusal!
Thanks for reviewing.
Dot
· 3 October 2004
· Chapter 30: Consequences
They still don’t know!! Surely the two fathers aren’t going to remain oblivious to what REALLY happened…??
Poor Elladan just seemed to be having no luck at all – those darn guards are everywhere! But I just loved Elrohir in son-of-the-lord mode. That’ll teach the guard to call them ‘younglings’.
I loved the reunion between the twins. That moment when they are just completely honest with each other was lovely to witness.
LOL at Elladan hearing all about the troll. “But – trolls don’t have babies! Do they?” You know, that’s an image I didn’t really need first thing on a Sunday morning…;-) It seems that Elrohir and Legolas seem quite recovered from their troll experience and can look back on it with amazement now. I guess it’s better that they don’t dwell too much on what could have happened.
Facing a ‘grim’ Elrond and Thranduil would *not* be a pleasant experience, I would imagine. I felt particularly bad for Elrohir because he’s already realised himself what he’s done wrong. “I am most disappointed in you.” Ah yes, I think we’ve all had that speech at one time or another – it does hurt more than a parent’s anger. There’s really a sense of the different styles of both fathers. Elrohir is most affected by Elrond’s disappointment, but Thranduil clearly dreads anything happening to all that is left of his family – and this is what would get through to Legolas. Very clever, these adars. But how nice that their sons can go away still reassured of their fathers’ love for them.
That last part with Elrond and Thranduil discussing punishments to try and come up with the most appropriate was fascinating – clearly their sons are so different that a punishment for one wouldn’t be for another. I guess it is only fair to include Elladan as well – he’d probably help out anyway.
I still can’t believe that Thranduil and Elrond don’t know the truth! But of course, how could they unless their sons admitted their deeds… Apparently they didn’t notice that Elrohir and especially Legolas looked a little wet from flailing around an angry river. Are they really never going to find out? I admit, it is possible. Not that I want the young elves to be in trouble, mind you. Or see Elrond and Thranduil in full flow. Oh alright, then… I really, really do…:-)
Author's reply
I implied previously that the parents never did find out where they went - not for a very long time, anyway. And would Elrohir and Legolas have survived if Elrond and Thranduil had found out?
It was perhaps more natural for Legolas to hug his father at the end of the lecture - as you say, they only have each other. Elrohir, that little bit older, was rather surprised to find himself doing the same thing! Elrohir also feels guilty about everything - I think he's going to have to find someone to confess to soon.
The punishment will be suitably dull and dirty - and they'll miss the feast! I imagine that the cooks will find a few treats for them, and the three will manage to have some fun as well.