With Friends Like These by Jay of Lasgalen

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Rhapsody · 3 October 2004 · Chapter 1: Greenwood The Great

This is the first chapter of this story. It tone is light and playful, I immediately love the characters. It makes you quickly scan over the chapter and hurry to chapter 2. But no wait, this needs to be read with care and attention. But now I really must read chapter 2.

Author's reply

Hi! It's always great to get a new reader/reviewer, and I'm glad you found this story. I noticed that you reviewed on ff.net too, but it's so much easier to reply here. I hope you enjoy the rest of the story as much.

Bodkin · 3 October 2004 · Chapter 30: Consequences

Well - I think they got off quite lightly. (Love the way the adars compared notes - and that a suitable punishment for Legolas wouldn't do for Elrohir. Also that Elladan got roped in for communal guilt, even though he wasn't there because he knew that the other two had been out. A bit of a dangerous principle, really, since knowing is not the same as doing, but probably inevitable with the twins.) Elrond has a clear understanding of the trials of twinship - unsurprisingly, and both adars are very good at making their sons feel ashamed of their behaviour while still being sure of their love. The only question is - will Elrond and Thranduil find out what really happened? Because wandering around Imladris at night is just a teensy bit different to trying to find trolls and crossing the Bruinen. A teensy difference that might change a night of scullery work to a century of chains. I liked seeing Elrohir act authoritative with the guard. They might not use their position much (and they would be hated if they did), but it is still part of who they are and they need to be able to don it, like formal robes, at suitable moments. As to the final comment - bet Elrond wouldn't. (Rather go to war again, that is.) He is far too sensible and has seen far too much of the fallout from war. George Bush might. That says a lot about him, too.

Author's reply

I think it wasn't easy to find a punishment suitable for all three, but scullery duty should do it! Elladan may be let off lightly and get a slightly less unpleasant task, but Elrond knows he knew what they were up to. If it was discovered they'd been to the Trollshaws, things would have been worse - do elves have cess pits? The twins will, one day, help to run Imladris, and will command some of these guards - so they have to start somewhere. I read that comment a few weeks ago, and couldn't wait to find an opportunity for Elrond to say it! I really don't think he'd be without his sons for anything, though.

LOTRFaith · 2 October 2004 · Chapter 30: Consequences

lol.. I loved the closing remark:-D Well at least their father's know exactly how to deal with them. I absolutely hate it when my parents tell me that they are disappointed in me. I would almost prefer getting yelled at:-) But at least both princes are safe at home now:-D Great chapter.. Looking forward to more~

Author's reply

It seemed a very Elrondish sort of comment. The 'disappointed' speech and an unpleasant task will work wonders as well. Thanks for the review!

elliska · 2 October 2004 · Chapter 30: Consequences

Great chapter. Ahhh the wrath of the fathers. There is absoultely nothing worse on earth than the 'I am disappointed in you' speech. And I think it would be particularly effective delivered by Thranduil and Elrond. One or the other would be scary. Both together? Oh geez! I liked the last line. I can definitely see Elrond saying that!

Author's reply

I read that line in a satirical magazine. I couldn't wait to use it for Elrond! Poor Elrohir and Legolas - this was far more effective than shouting for both of them. Add to that a dirty, unpleasant task, and they'll all think twice next time.

Creashuns · 2 October 2004 · Chapter 30: Consequences

Great Chapter as Usual! Hmmm, What will the punishments be when Elrond and Thranduil find out what their Son's have really been up to???? Interesting.... Creasuns

Author's reply

Well, maybe Elrond and Thranduil will never find out - after all, Elrohir and Legolas survive to live to a ripe old age!

Lianna · 2 October 2004 · Chapter 30: Consequences

As a parent myself, I loved the image of Elrond and Thranduil weighing the merits of possible punishments to determine the most appropriate penalty for their particular offspring. And it's so funny that Legolas was a prissy elf even at that age! ;) I would predict that Thranduil, at least, will soon find out what really happened with the trolls and the river; Legolas doesn't seem to be particularly good at keeping secrets from his father. But perhaps Elrond will never know?

Author's reply

I implied in a previous story that Elrond and Thranduil never found out about the troll hunt, so I have to be careful here! And the punishments - what works for one won't for another. But peeling veg and washing dishes - and missing the feast - should do it.

sofia · 2 October 2004 · Chapter 30: Consequences

that was a great chapter. Do they know that they met with real trolls? More soon please. -sofia

Author's reply

At the moment, only Elrohir, Legolas and now Elladan know about the trolls. So far ... ;)

daw the minstrel · 2 October 2004 · Chapter 30: Consequences

Whew! That wasn't so bad. At least from my point of view. But it's obviously true that "disappointing" their fathers, whose good opinions they value, was painful to these younglings. I liked the little glimpse of Elrohir being the lord's son.

Author's reply

Well, no, it wasn't too bad. But that was just when Elrond and Thranduil thought they'd been running around inside Imladris. If they ever find out the truth ... I don't think either of the twins are the sort to make a big thing of who they are - and can you imagine Elrond's reaction if they did? - but they will command these troops one day. They have to start somewhere!

LKK · 21 September 2004 · Chapter 29: The River Wild

Oh boy, are they in troub-ble! *shakes head* And Elladan too, for not telling the whole story. (Apparently that thought hasn't even occurred to him yet.) Foolish elflings. As the saying goes, Pride goeth before the fall. Although in this case, it was Legolas who fell in the water, not Elrohir, source of the wounded pride. I wonder what punishment the lord fathers are going to impose. Will they understand Elrohir's real problem? The need to prove himself a separate and unique person? Somehow, I doubt it. :( By the way, I loved the young troll in the previous chapter. You actually managed to make a troll adorable. Quite an impressive feat!

Author's reply

Poor Elladan is still hoping the parents may not realise the whole story, so he's not going to say anything unless he has to. As for Elrohir's problems, Elrond might understand that reasoning, but only if Elrohir admits that's why he did such a stupid thing! I'm so glad you liked the troll - I wanted to make it different from the usual terrifying monster everyone is familiar with.

Dot · 18 September 2004 · Chapter 29: The River Wild

Oh lord, it was so hard not to scroll down to see what happened! Especially when Elrond feels the anger of the river and then it suddenly calms down again. I felt so bad for Elrond, doing his best to protect the valley because Elrohir and Legolas are spending the night in the woods and he has no notion of the danger they’re in. Oh, poor Elladan! He must have been so worried to stay up to keep watch on the balcony. There’s something very lonely about that picture. I like how understanding Elrond is, knowing himself how deeply Elladan would have felt the argument with his twin, even if he doesn’t realise the full extent of his son’s worry. I loved the bit with the two troubled fathers. How awful to know that *something* is wrong but not exactly what it is. I cringed at Elrond’s attempts to reassure Elladan that nothing could come across the river. I don’t know how Elladan didn’t just give in and tell his father. He really is so loyal – though I suspect his parents might have something to say about the need to break promises if someone is in danger. My heart was in my mouth the whole time the river was rising. You really made it come alive. It’s almost as though it’s taken personal offence that anyone would threaten Elrond’s realm. “I am Elrohir Elrondion. I beg that you will grant us safe passage, oh mighty waters!” Oh wow! What a powerful image. No wonder Legolas was completely awestruck. I guess it’s a lot for Elrohir to take in as well. I love the idea that he acted totally on instinct. He seems to have a lot of respect for the river, which is wonderful to see. And he’s so polite! Elrohir seems very shaken by what happened. It looks as though he’s all too aware now of how much danger they were both in, just because he wanted to prove himself. I can’t wait to see what their parents will have to say. I imagine Elrond will be in for a shock when he discovers everything that happened with the river. No matter how well they think they’ve learned their lesson, I would NOT want to be in any of the youngsters’ shoes right now! Really great chapter, Jay. So exciting!

Author's reply

I feel sorry for Elladan in this chapter - regretting the argument and what he said, feeling left out because Elrohir and Legolas have gone off without him, worried about his twin doing something foolish. He is lonely here, and Elrond's reassurances don't exactly help. The fact that he still doesn't tell is more because he fears the repercussions for all three of them than anything else! I wrote the whole scene with Elrohir, Legolas and the river two or three chapters ago - it was difficult writing Elrond's scene here, because neither he or anyone else knew then that Elrohir had calmed it. Elrohir is shaken by this, moreso than Legolas, both because he realises what could have happened, and because of what he did. The respect and politeness is natural, I think - both his inbred courtesy, and a healthy desire not to p*ss the river off even more! Thank you for the lovely review!

sofia · 18 September 2004 · Chapter 29: The River Wild

good chapter. Go Elrohir! -sofia

Author's reply

He did well, didn't he? ;-) Thanks for the review!

Bodkin · 17 September 2004 · Chapter 29: The River Wild

That image of Elrohir leaping in to attempt to placate the river is amazing - and incredibly (recklessly?) brave of him, since he had no idea whether it would work! So we have those two, hearts in their boots, knowing that the trolls were far less dangerous than the peril ahead of them - and Elladan, with two irate fathers who don't know the half of it. Thranduil and Elrond seem, shall we say, a little displeased now - and they are under the impression that their sons were inside the protected valley. How are they going to respond when they find out how close the boys came to being killed twice already overnight. Could be a case of third time pays for all. I look forward to going back and reading this again more carefully.

Author's reply

In the first place, Elrohir jumped in to try to pull Legolas out, but when the river wouldn't let him get close enough he had to try something else. King Canute comes to mind, but it worked for Elrohir! Bad news comes in threes, they say - and this time it's really bad news. Much as I love Thranduil and Elrond, I wouldn't want to be in their sons' places right now!

Karri · 16 September 2004 · Chapter 29: The River Wild

*whew* That was a close one! It is good Elrohir took seom initiative there. Terrific chapter! :-)

Author's reply

It was close - Elrohir hoped he could do something, but wasn't sure what! They were both very lucky.

JastaElf · 16 September 2004 · Chapter 29: The River Wild

Uh-0h, they're in for it now.... I had a feeling that was going to happen. NEVER piss off an already nervous protective river.... :-) I liked the way Elrond and Thranduil both, for slightly different reasons, could not sleep--and dealt with it each in their own way. And poor Elladan, he should know by now that there is NO corner these two Elf-lords can't get around before he does.... :-) Oh, those two are in SUCH trouble. Not that Elladan isn't, for keeping secrets--since some ought not to be kept!--but he's probably not in nearly as much trouble as the other two. Legolas is one lucky kid. And I'm glad Elrohir had the sense to thank the Bruinen.... ;-) Thanks for the update! I'll review at FF.net too when it allows me back in...

Author's reply

Whoops! I got your e-mail about ff.net first, so I sent the whole chapter to you. I prefer SoA anyway, as it's so easy to reply to reviews. The river's on red alert right now, so poor Legolas didn't stand a chance when he went in first! Luckily, Elrohir is his father's son, with some of his powers - and his good manners. Poor Elladan, trying to sneak out to look for his brother, only to be caught by two already anxious fathers - there may be trouble ahead ... Jay

LOTRFaith · 16 September 2004 · Chapter 29: The River Wild

Wow! You are really starting to post now:-D Not that I am complaining or anything:-D I love it:-) And not to rush you, but please post soon... Am very curious as to how the two Elven Lords will react to their son's well, lets call it carelessness? :-D Looking forward to the next chapter!

Author's reply

Well, let's just say they're Not Amused. Trolls and rivers are nothing compared with irate elf lords!

Lianna · 16 September 2004 · Chapter 29: The River Wild

Aha! Now we know how movie-Arwen knew that she could control the river. Apparently, all of Elrond's children can. But they didn't know it until this moment, did they?

Author's reply

No, Elrohir didn't know that - it startled him as much as Legolas. The worst danger is yet to come though - Elrond and Thranduil waiting up for them!

daw the minstrel · 16 September 2004 · Chapter 29: The River Wild

Loved the picture of the two fathers both worried enough that they can't sleep. Elladan must be petrified by now. He was evidently moving on sock feet to get out of the house. Legolas and Elrohir were very lucky not to be really hurt or even killed. And I suppose they may still be! :-)

Author's reply

Yes - poor Elladan knows it wasn't trolls that set the river off, so he's sneaking out to look for Elrohir himself. Now he's been caught as well, but when Elrond tries to reassure him, it just makes matters worse! E&L find that trolls and rivers are nothing compared with two angry fathers.

Nilmandra · 16 September 2004 · Chapter 29: The River Wild

Ah, nothing like that feeling one gets when you know you have done wrong, and know you have been caught at it. That sinking dread of the confrontation to come....yet, I believe both will treasure the memory of Elrohir commanding the river and the waters obeying. Oh, but I don't envy them the wrath of angry adars!

Author's reply

Elrohir and Legolas have survived curious trolls and raging rivers - now they face two furious fathers! Elrohir is still rather awed by what he did, I think, and will want to tell Elladan about it.

elliska · 16 September 2004 · Chapter 29: The River Wild

Ahh, Elrond's magic is a powerful thing and Elrohir has just impressed himself as well as Legolas with his own, I imagine. I am also willing to bet that both of them are going to be impressed by their fathers when Elrond and Thranduil find out the details of this little excursion. :) I have always enjoyed exploring the nature of the elves' magic/connection to their realms. Another wonderful chap!

Author's reply

I'm not sure if Elrohir had a bigger shock when the river roused against Legolas, or when it obeyed him - I think the latter. We know that the river is under Elrond's power, so I thought it reasonable that his children would have the ability too. Elrohir and Legolas are about to find out that bad things come in threes!

lwarren · 14 September 2004 · Chapter 28: Close Encounters

EEEEEEEEEEVIL Jay! Just plain evil! Sometimes these stories should come with a warning...CAUTION: Material included could be hazardous to your health! :-) I thought in the beginning, when Elladan was staring at his paper he has to write (boy, do I know that feeling! *hugs Elladan*) he should probably be writing THE TRIALS OF GROWING UP IDENTICAL...OR HOW TO TICK OFF A TWIN BROTHER IN TEN EASY LESSONS! He was very much suffering from hind-sight, and not pleased at all with the way he had acted with his brother. Of course now, brother was a mite touchy... But you did a very good job of communicating Elladan's guilt and regret. His determination in not lying was commendable also, and shows the integrity he'll carry with him all his life. I loved Celebrian trying to help...I've tried before with adolescent boys and it just doesn't work too often. Still, a Naneth must try! Now to the two AWOL elflings - honestly, Jay, the troll was wonderful! A baby? And you showed his confusion/curiosity perfectly...I could just see this toddler troll-ling (now that's a fun spelling word!), bent over poking at this interesting looking critter on the ground...pick it up? You bet! Legolas is lucky he wasn't tasted too! You know how babies put everything in their mouths! UGH! Anyway, the scenes with the troll are priceless. I think our two elflings were so relieved to escape with only a broken bow, they forgot about the RED ALERT Elrond probably placed on the river when the trolls were sighted. Which, of course, leads me back to....EEEEVVIILLLLL JAY! Update soon...you know Legolas has absolutely no luck with water! linda

Author's reply

*Grin!* Yes, I think the other subjects are ones he knows all about - though he may not know the answer. (It's 42.) He's being honourable, but has not thought of the concept of 'lying by omission' - he's not as truthful as he thinks. Poor Celebrian, too - she has to deal with a double dose of teenage angst. Trolls are always shown as very fierce, savage creatures, swinging their clubs and trying to mash elves to paste. I wanted one that was just curious, wondering what it had found, although it was still dangerous and could have accidentally killed them. Now, the river - I wonder what the ME equivalent of Red Alert or DefCon 4 is? Thanks for the great review!

phoenix23531 · 14 September 2004 · Chapter 28: Close Encounters

Hello! I'm sorry I haven't reviewed in, well, a VERY long time. I moved to Australia for a year, ff.net has given me no end of trouble while using dial-up. Heavens, how I miss cable bandwidth! I absolutely love the way this story is shaping up. I just found this story again on storiesofarda and read the last 10 chapters in about half an hour, and was so thoroughly engrossed that by the time I reached the last chapter posted, I squealed - I wanted more!!! By the way, I loved the "Balrogs Balls! We found a troll!" line. I was half-rolling, half-falling off my chair! Have to run now, dial-up is acting up again. All the best, and looking forward to the next chapters! Emma

Author's reply

Thanks for taking the trouble to drop in and review - I recall all too well what dial-up is like (which is why I'm on broadband now!) Also, I much prefer this site to ff.net, which has also given me problems. Ten chapters at once? That must be a record! You're lucky, there was a very long gap between chapters at one time, but I should be able to update again in a few days. I'm glad you're still enjoying the story - which is more than Elrohir and Legolas are at the moment ...

Galimeril · 13 September 2004 · Chapter 28: Close Encounters

Oh a wonderful, wonderful story but you ended it with a nasty sliffy! UPdate soon!!! Galimeril ;D

Author's reply

The next chapter is already halfway written (what happens to Legolas now) and I'll update ASAP! Thanks for reviewing.

Nilmandra · 11 September 2004 · Chapter 28: Close Encounters

Oh, a baby troll. Now that is something I have never seen done in fanfiction before - a curious, baby troll! LOL! Of course, it still could have wiped out adolescent elves. For some reason, I think when Elrohir and Legolas return, they are going to be in trouble :P And if the waters of the Bruinen are under Elrond's command, I am curious to see what enemy he thought was crossing the river that he would raise the waters so!

Author's reply

I don't know if trolls had babies, but I thought one would certainly be very curious when it saw elves for the first time. It didn't know its own strength though, and if it had kept on poking at Elrohir, or picked Legolas up, it wouldn't have done either of them much good. The river - I see it as being an automatic defence, rising whenever anyone who should not be there crosses. Only the ford is safe.

sofia · 11 September 2004 · Chapter 28: Close Encounters

great chapter. I liked the part with the young troll and Elrohir, i thought that was cute... in a weird sort of way. -sofia

Author's reply

The poor little troll only wanted to play - even if Elrohir and Legolas weren't so keen on the idea! I'm glad you liked this.

Joee · 10 September 2004 · Chapter 28: Close Encounters

I can't believe how fast you updated this time, but of course you had to leave it off at another cliff hanger! Poor Legolas, he doesn't seem to have much luck involving water does he? Good chapter, hope you can update soon =)

Author's reply

I don't usually update quite that quickly, but the muse was working overtime. Poor Legolas forgot about the river - he should have waited for Elrohir. The question is, can Legolas run faster than the wave of water, especially with the river trying to make him fall? Thanks for the review!