Reviews (82)

dVOrcmhHC · 31 May 2012 · Chapter 12: Heartbreaking Setback

Good job! I think this is one of those things where even if you don't end up miknag your goal you're going to feel so good about where you ended up.And probably you will make your goal, right?

Emily of Imladris · 31 October 2007 · Chapter 4: Twins Reunited

I've read this fic before and i loved it from start to finish. Sorry i didn't review then. I read it in the week before i went on holiday so what i'd already read was etched in my mind. The day after i came home, i got on the PC and read more. It's a really nice story. This is probably one of the few fics on this site that helped me fall in love with the elves - Em

Meimi · 6 February 2006 · Chapter 15: All's Well

Hello! Erm, I'm not very good at reviews, but here goes. Your 'Lost' happens to be one of the few stories in the LotR fandom that I can't help but read again and again and again. It's such a marvelous tale and really gelled my love for the twins. Your characterizations are spot on, the reasoning and psychology of the characters is excellent and makes so much sense. The plot has excellent pace as well and really has me glued to my chair every time that I -do- reread it (and let me tell you, I did not -move- from in front of my computer screen at all the first time I read through 'Lost'). You really have a wonderful talent for storytelling.

BlueEyedElf · 22 April 2005 · Chapter 15: All's Well

Hi FirstMate! Here's that more articulate review I promised. Sorry it has taken so long. It's me DeepBlueSomething. I've changed my screen name. First of all, I would like to say that your story is FABULOUS. I absolutely loved it. I plan on reading it through a second time in the future. I loved the scene where Elrohir gives Robard what's coming to him. The scene was funny in itself, but I just about fell out of my seat laughing when Robard peed his pants. That was just hilarious. I also enjoyed his punishment. I can just imagine his disgust has he has to give away all his money. It was the perfect punishment for him. I think banishment was a good punishment for Kalen and Matias. It will give them time to really think about they have done and find out how to redeem themselves. They seemed really, genuinely sorry for what they had done, so maybe they will find their redemption. I'm glad Elrond decided to let Elrohir ride out to meet Elladan. It had to be hard for him, but denying Elrohir would have gotten really messy. It's good that he didn't press the issue. It's also great that Elrohir got his horse back. Elladan's meeting with Lord Bremon was very enjoyable. I'm glad they parted on good terms and that Elrohir's brooch was returned. However, it had to hurt Elladan to see the brooch and hear what had happened to his brother when he was already feeling so guilty. Elladan's reaction to seeing Elrohir again was very realistic. The picture you have painted of him in this story makes him seem like the kind of guy who would end up turning his anger at himself outward at others. He just doesn't realize it. I think my favorite part was when Elrohir reminded Elladan of what their mother had told them before she sailed. It was the perfect way for Elladan to see that Elrohir was truly healed. It was the perfect way to get both twins to let go of his guilt. The twins' apologies to eachother were really sweet. I almost cried as I read them. Also, the playful horse race was the perfect way to end things. Let me say again that I really, really enjoyed this story. Thank you so much for the many hours of reading pleasure it give me. It will forever remain on my favorites list.

paranoidangel · 13 November 2004 · Chapter 15: All's Well

It took me a while to get through all of that last chapter, but it was a good ending. I was almost thinking Elrohir was going to go too far with Robard and Elrond was going to have to stop him. I did like the end when Elrohir mentioned their mother, and I particularly liked Elrond's reaction to their homecoming.

DeepBlueSomething · 12 November 2004 · Chapter 15: All's Well

Just wanted to let you know what an awesome story this is. Words cannot describe how fantastic it is. I will have a more articulate review for you at a later date, but for now I just wanted you to know how much I enjoyed you story. Thank you so much for sharing it. DeepBlueSomething

Golden Elf · 12 November 2004 · Chapter 15: All's Well

I have just recently discovered your story. It has touched me deeply. I find it sweet, painful, loving, maddening, and completely joyous. It is truly a wonderful piece. Thank you for sharing it with us.

Kitty · 6 November 2004 · Chapter 15: All's Well

I was so happy to see this update pop up here! Really, this was the longest update I have ever seen! And a very timely besides – only two days earlier I had argued a bit with my friend because she told me to give up, you would never update and finish this. I told her you will do it, and you have proven right my trust in you quite promptly. Thank you very much ;-) Jest aside – it was well worth the waiting in every way, as always. It was a glorious finale for my favourite fic, which I have enjoyed so much! Hm, where to start? Chronologically, I think. It was so satisfying to see how Elrohir dealt with Robard. I have read it 5 times now! It was wise of Elrond to let his son handle this matter in his own way; I think it was something Elrohir needed to do, so he is able to lay the past to rest. And although I would have liked to use Robard as a punchingball myself, on second thought I presume Elrohir’s punishment is the better, because it will last much longer and ist very hard (and fitting!) for Robard. As far as Kalen and Matias are concerned, it is amazing how forgiving Elrohir is to his former friends. We have discussed the question how to punish them and had thought about a banishment from the Elven realms, too. Although it would be satisfying to do them bodily harm after their nearly fatal beating for Elrohir, I think it is not the way of the Elves to mistreat someone who isn’t able to defend himself, as you said concerning Robard. And to lock up an immortal being of light in a dark dungeon for a long time seems not much better. But I certainly hadn’t expected of Elrohir to defend them. So they got away quite easy - maybe better than they really deserve. I hope they will prove him right and live up to his expectations. Elrohir is truly an exceptional person, as he proves once more in his talk with Galadriel. His grandmother should comfort him, not the other way around! She really has reason to be proud of him. About the confrontation between Elrond and Elrohir I was quite shocked. Of course I can understand Elrond’s anxiety, but after all he has been through Elrohir needs his freedom so badly! Thank godness Elrond came to his senses in time – for I fear there would have been a deep rift between them if he had Elrohir forced to stay. Of Lord Bremon I am quite fond. He is a very perceptive dwarf and I am impressed how he took his clues and deduced so much about Elrohir’s ordeal and the part of his own people in this. And I am amused about his punishment for the bad dwarves. Nobody of his people will ever do anything like this, of that I am certain! I remember I asked you in my first review back there at ff.net for a punishment for the slavers and now I am very happy you have done it! Robard, Kalen and Matias, the dwarves – all of them have received what they deserved. Of course, there are Polinas and all the people at Lord Heberts estate, but I am content for now. Thank you! The reunion of the twins was another great part. Although I have known Elladan would feel guilty, I certainly hadn’t thought he would drive his twin away because of this! Poor Elrohir, this was not the reunion of which he had dreamed. But it seems logically and in the end the happy end was so much sweeter. Oh, and by the way, it was quite funny how Elladan tried to turn away from his approaching twin and Isilme refused to obey his command! There the horse was intelligenter than the rider! So, I hope I haven’t forgotten too much. This chapter let me quite breathless and very impressed. Now I don’t quite know what to feel – I am glad all is well again for the Imladris Lord and his family and no reason for worry left, but then I am sad this incredible story is finished. I could read on and on forever! So I hope fervently you will find time and inspiration to write a prequel or sequel, and I don’t mind in the least if it will be both! I know I am greedy but I can’t help it! Oh, and may I ask – you mentioned at ff.net a prequel about why Elrohir hates caves – is this the same story as the „true meaning of courage“ you mentioned to me earlier? I would like to read both, as well as the sequel about how the brethren go to Lord Hebert to retrieve Estel’s brooch. Does it sound too selfish if I hope I am able to read a new story from you in the spring? I will wait eagerly and patiently (okay, okay, to be honest, as patiently as I am able ...) to hear more from you. But for now, I wish you the best and thank you so very much for sharing this wonderful story with your readers and for so many hours of joy while reading and re-reading it.

Liz · 5 November 2004 · Chapter 15: All's Well

I can't even tell you how exstatically happy I am! Yay! I just spent an hour and a half reading your story and not doing my work because I HAD to read it right away. My boss probably knows something is up though as I keep minimizing the window whenever she walks in (that's why I shouldn't check stories during the day). But I'm so happy now!!!!! I LOVE this story. It is so well written and the profound expressions you throw in it are fabulous. I especially loved when Elladan said, "For whatever reason, we were created to be together". Didn't just bring tears to Elrohir's eyes, it brought tears to mine too! This made me so happy ( I know I've said that many times already). I'll be re-reading this story for as long as it's posted. I was happy to see Elrohir apologize for not listening to his brother (even if Elladan didn't say 'I told you so'). The reunion was wonderful. Just when you think all is well, we get some more angst (Elladan's meanness, the broach memories, all the apologizing) thrown in for added dramatic effect. What I love the most about this story, is that nothing is rushed. I read other stories and the angst is set up and then I think the author gets too excited and fixes the angst too quickly, leaving me with this feeling of having a really great meal eaten within 15 minutes so that I can't truly enjoy all the flavor. But this! You take your time writing so that readers get the full flavor of angst and then the full flavor of the comfort for dessert. I said it before and I'll say it again- Fantastic! I can't wait for any more writing you do. Perhaps you could start and finish your next story before the Spring and that way when you can post it, we won't have to wait a long time between updates. Although I have heard that absense makes the heart grow fonder (I guess I'd have to ask Elladan about that). :0) ~Liz

daw the minstrel · 5 November 2004 · Chapter 15: All's Well

And all I can say is lovely ending. I had tears in my eyes at their arrival home. daw

daw the minstrel · 5 November 2004 · Chapter 15: All's Well

I think you're right to recognize that Elrohir wouldn't have recovered his spirits immediately. And Elrond's reluctance to let him out of his sight was realistic too. But I think Elrond was wrong. Elrohir needs to be in control of his life. Actually, the relations between elven generations are interesting to me. The "children" are old and very experienced but Tolkien does seem to suggest that they were organized into houses and that the oldest male seemed to rule. Elladan's meeting with the dwarves was intriguing. I like Lord Bremon. The punishment he imposed is as interesting as the one that Elrond imposed on the Elves. It seems to suit dwarves, especially dwarven warriors. The meeting between the twins was so complicated. You drew out the approach and gave us time to appreciate it. And Ellladan's resistance made it so unexpected. I found his anger hard to accept at first, but I could kind of see it when I thought about it. I thought he might be feeling guilty that he was the one that the men were actually after when they hurt Elrohir, but certainly his ceasing to search would be a big deal too. I have to go to the grocery store now. Back later to finish reading the last bit.

perelleth · 5 November 2004 · Chapter 15: All's Well

Fantastic! it's worth waiting and it deserves a more thorough look than what I´ve managed. By now, I'd like to tell you that the final scene is great!! (all the chapter is)it's almost as it came right out from a film,(a compliment intended!) I can imagine the camera´s movements, the shouts entering Elrond's chambers and the joyful happy uproar outside, all from Elrond's point of view, up some stairs and overseeing it all IN SILENCE (amazing contrast with the roaring din)and with a sense of calmness that had deserted him for so long. Magnificent, I loved it. It all ends up with a sense of wholeness with which I completely agree.. the punishment to the elves is very "elven". From time to time, while awaiting update I had mused about that, I had considered banishment myself, but was unsure of what you would do... I am glad you chose the same for even though Turgon dealt death to Eöl, I am more of Gandalf's point of view:"Many live that deserve death, and many die that deserve life... " and all that ensues. Thank you for your compassionate approach, it is important to remeber and be reminded that compassion lies in our own hands and our own decissions. So, best wishes, I´ll patiently await for more stories from such a talented writer... perelleth

Bodkin · 5 November 2004 · Chapter 15: All's Well

What a great finish and such a wonderful chapter. And long is wonderful - I so enjoyed it and I can look forward to going back and picking up bits I've skimmed through. I am so glad that Elrohir and Elladan are reunited and happy at the end and back home safe and sound. Elrohir was remarkably impressive with the slime-ball Robard - so much the son of his parents and grandparents. None of them could have done better. And yet even in his wrathfulness, he was able to show those merciful characteristics that are so much part of him. Not, I suspect, that Robard will consider his fate particularly merciful, as a bully without the money to pay his protectors is likely to find himself a victim himself. Can't think of a worthier recipient of his own medicine. Elrohir was also able to rise above petty vengeance when it came to Kalen and Matias - I think Elladan would have found that rather more difficult to manage. I was glad that Elladan learned that the bad dwarves also ended up with a rather nasty and humiliating penalty for their evil-doing. Now the people who kept Elrohir enslaved and drugged could do with their come-uppance and all his abusers will be paid off. Elrond was quite understandable in his desire to be over-protective of his poor son, but I'm glad he was able to accept Elrohir's need to be free. Actually, your portrayal of their reactions in the aftermath is, I think, really good - people so often cope admirably throughout crises only to become snappy and defensive afterwards. Again - thank you for a great ending to a great story - and for making it so delightfully long and satisfying!

daw the minstrel · 5 November 2004 · Chapter 15: All's Well

First, I'm so glad to see another chapter of this story! Second, you're going to get several reviews from me about it because it's kind of long so I'll probably read it in chunks and I don't want to forget what happened at the start by the time I review. I like the idea that Elrohir is "not his father's son for nothing" so he bravely confronts someone he would rather not think about. And then he turns into the hardened warrior that he is when he's away from home and fighting orcs (so Glorfindel is familiar with it). That was good for Elrond to see, even if it was surprising. Parents have trouble seeing their children as strong adults sometimes. But even Glorfindel is surprised by him. "An irritated elf lord." That made me grin. I'm struggling to write about the twins right now and I'm taking note of what you do with Elrohir! You reason so well about his need to be in control of his own life after what's happened to him. Nice image of Arwen squeezing in beside Elrohir in the big chair. I thought the sentence for the two guilty elves was very appropriate and elven. They are going on a kind of pilgrimage to seek redemption. And they are trusted to know when they have done it. Being elves, they have time on their side. And it's like Elrohir's forgiveness of them is being passed on in their future good deeds (one hopes anyway). That's all for now. I'm off to the gym.

Jay of Lasgalen · 5 November 2004 · Chapter 15: All's Well

How wonderful to see an update at last! What a marathon chapter, too. I loved to see the change from Elrohir as victim to coldly furious elven lord - he was magnificent in dealing with Robard. I have to say that I thought banishment the least punishment to be dealt to the two elves, and I can't help hoping something nasty happens to them! I could have slapped Elladan for being so insensitive when he was finally reunited with Elrohir - Elrohir's pain and confusion was awful. The eventual 'real' reunion was wonderful though, and very sweet. And finally, the welcome home! A lovely scene to imagine. I hope you'll be writing something else soon. Jay

DeepBlueSomething · 28 October 2004 · Chapter 14: Sorrow and Joy

Hi FirstMate! I already reviewed on Fanfiction.net, but I thought of a few things I forgot to mention in that review. First of all, this story is just so great! You're really doing a great job and I hope you write more in the future. The twins are my favorite LOTR characters and you have portrayed them beautifully. Also, I have some more thoughts on the bad guys. I wonder who will be sentencing them because when Elrond hears what has been done to Elrohir these past few weeks, it is going to be darn hard for him to be objective. It was absolutely heartbreaking how Kalen and Matias have treated Elrohir over the past few weeks. Is it going to take him a little while to recover from this? I would imagine that being starved and kept pretty much immoble for a few weeks would have bad effects on even an elf. I shudder to think how Elladan is going to react when he finds out what happened. Hey, that just gave me an idea! I have thought of a good punishment for the bad guys. I think they should be locked in a room, weaponless, with Elladan for a few hours. Wouldn't that be fun (LOL)! Anyway, maybe I have finally gotten all my thoughts on this chapter out of my system. You are doing great and I hope you are able to update soon.

Liz · 6 September 2004 · Chapter 14: Sorrow and Joy

Hi, Just sending a bit of encouragement your way so that your muses get rejuvenated and you feel renewed motivation to finish your wonderful story. Remember, you promised! You can't leave us all just hanging, I'm mean poor Elladan is out there somewhere believing his twin is dead and only you can fix that! You have all the power! Put it to good use and make our favorite characters happy again! I am sooo looking forward to the next part. Do update soon! Please! ~Liz

Kellen · 1 July 2004 · Chapter 14: Sorrow and Joy

Wow, what a story!! I sat and read all fourteen chapters in two days (would have been shorter had I not had to actually leave my apartment for anything. LoL) Very nice. I have really enjoyed this story!! cheers,Kellen

Anonymous · 27 June 2004 · Chapter 14: Sorrow and Joy

That was a fantastic chapter. Poor Elrohir, he breaks my heart the way you describe him so well Polinas is really evil, whereas I feel ambivalent towards Kalen and Matias. The worse thing for them is, no matter what punishment Elrond can mete out, no matter what Elladan and Elrohir say or do, it is never going to be worse than their own feeling of guilt, and the fact that their misdirected vengeance and anger should have been placed on none other than their own brother in law who effectively destroyed their family completely. Please bring Elladan home safely, and Estel. I want them to be happy again.

Molly · 26 June 2004 · Chapter 14: Sorrow and Joy

I was really excited to see this update. Finding out the motive behind this whole thing satisfying, though I wonder what will happen to Kalen and Matias now. I can't wait for Elladan to get home and find Elrohir much recovered! How awful for his family to find out that all along he was in the stable, right under their noses. Reading about him in that box, though, I kept wondering - when did he go to the bathroom? If his captors didn't give him breaks, that would have made the box a whole lot more miserable.

Kitty · 26 June 2004 · Chapter 14: Sorrow and Joy

FirstMate, I was so happy to see the for so long so badly awaited chapter! And it was worth the waiting, as always. Now, what can I say? It was another great chapter, sometimes I had to stop reading and take some deep breaths to calm down. By the way, never don't worry about your readers forgot you - I have checked this story every day and never given up, although it was truly a long time. Poor Elrohir, I can't even begin to imagine what he must've been through. To lie helplessly bounded and gagged for weeks in this little box, hungry and thirsty, struggling with his horribly memories! And then to know what the three elves have done, and why! How cruel! Really, I am not able to be forgiving and want to kill Polinas for this. It is unbearable to think he will get away with this because he is in Valinor! Kalen and Matias, however, are another matter. I'm not sure what to think about them. They have wronged not only Elrohir so horribly and deserve some sort of punishment. But they, especially Kalen, were misleaded by Polinas, and althouth that's no excuse, their wish for vengeance is at least understandable. And in the end they have come to their senses and have released Elrohir. Maybe they should go to the Undying Lands, too, confront Polinas with his treachery and falsehood and hand him over to the justice of the elves in Valinor? For I think they will leave Imladris anyhow, forced or not - they won't be able to look someone in the eyes again after what they have done. Then there is Robard. If I'm correct, he is up to pretend he knows Elrohir's whereabouts and will trade it for a huge amount of money, although it is not where Elrohir is just now but four years ago? And of course, he will lie about his own part in Elrohir's vanishing. It is unbelievable and unbearable impertinent! Honestly, I want you to start the next chapter with Elrohir storming in and kick his ass - and I don't mind if he can't sit for a copule of days after Elrohir has finished with him. Please don't let him go away with this, he had no other reason for his deeds save his greed. As you have proven, elves aren't always nice and there is no reason to be nice to him just now! Someone has to pay for Elrohir's - and not only Elrohir's! - long years of suffering and I want him to be the first victim! If others are following I will be very pleased. By the way, this time I was much faster than Elrond. When the twin came in and stand frozen, staring at Robard, I guessed it was Elrohir and was very pleased to see I was right ;-) Now I'm waiting for the happy reunion of the twins. I wonder what Elladan will say - he has given up his twin, and now Elrohir is back, healthy (nearly, that is) and whole, with all his memories back. It will be sort of a shock for Elladan, but he will be glad to have his twin back. And what will he make of the tormentors of his brother, who have brought so much grief to him, too? Thank you for this chapter - and I hope so much you can update much sooner the next time! I'm waiting so eagerly for this and don't dare to think about it being the last chapter of my favourite fic! I'm still dreaming about a sequel ...

Bodkin · 26 June 2004 · Chapter 14: Sorrow and Joy

Goodness, this has just given me several very happy hours! Just wonderful to find 14 chapters of something exciting I haven't read. Poor Elrohir! Elladan won't be able to believe his luck. You even managed to make me feel (fairly) sorry for the bad elves. But that nasty man needs to be caught out. Elrond must be ecstatic!

Jay of Lasgalen · 26 June 2004 · Chapter 14: Sorrow and Joy

Oh, at last! What a long wait - but worth it. Poor Elrohir, what a horrendous experience he's been through - but at least he has his memory back, and is reunited with his father. I'm worried about Elladan now - is he just on this mission for his father, or has something happened to *him* now? Please don't be so cruel, and let them be reunited soon! And don't leave the next update so long, please. Jay

Elena Tiriel · 26 June 2004 · Chapter 14: Sorrow and Joy

Oh, FirstMate, this is wonderful! I was so pleased to see an update of you story, and what a terrific, satisfying chapter! Thank you! - Barbara, doing a happy dance...

Nilmandra · 25 June 2004 · Chapter 14: Sorrow and Joy

Well, there are some men who need to be smacked, but the treachery of the elves is worse. As much as I enjoyed Elrond's reaction to seeing his son, part of me would like to see the reaction on Robard's face. I hope you go into elven justice too - what happens to those who did this? Are the repentent, remorseful? If not, what penalty woudl they receive? I also cannot wait to see Elladan come home. He will again feel complete.