Reviews (113)

Dot · 10 November 2004 · Chapter 6: On The Wings Of Eagles

So sorry this is late…. What a great chapter. I’m glad Elrohir definitely seems to be improving. Even more so than the physical description of Elrohir, the fact that Elladan has allowed himself to become more aware of his surroundings really shows confidence that Elrohir will recover. I don’t blame him for feeling so cooped up. I’d probably go mad in that tiny, dark room as well. It’s so good that Elladan had Legolas to talk to him, bring him books and persuade him to go for a ride. And the fact that Legolas has experienced what Elrohir is going through means he can really feel for both of them. I thought you did a great job with Elrohir waking up. I could almost feel that bone-deep exhaustion. It must be strange to have your family there every time you open your eyes. It’d be a sure sign that they feared for you, which must be rather frightening. It was quite touching how aware he is of Elladan’s tiredness and to see his reluctance to disturb him. I loved the part where Elladan lets Elrohir hold the cup of water himself. He seems to know exactly where his brother’s frustration stems from and it’s so thoughtful of him to give him this sense of control and a little personal victory. Eagles! I would *never* have thought of that. Wow, what a wonderful, magical element this lends to the story. I loved the tale about Gwaihir and the idea that the eagles would have such respect for Elrond. And thank heavens Elrond’s “fledgling” will be well. That must have been a truly awful moment for Elrond and Celebrían when they thought they’d lost Elrohir and hadn’t reached his side yet. I really felt for them too when they hear Elladan’s version of what happened. Oh, and I like how perceptive Elrond was to leave his sons alone for a while. I was wondering if Elrohir would remember his encounter with Námo. What a terrifying thought, that he could have ended up as one of the houseless ones. I hadn’t realised that but of course that would indeed have been a possibility. Crikey, if Elladan hadn’t been able to help bring him back…:-( I love the way Elrohir tries to lighten the mood and reassure Elladan. He obviously saw what a terrible shock it was for him. Lovely ending to the chapter too. It’s great to see them laugh with each other again and even though there’ll probably be lots more frustration and impatience from Elrohir, at least he’s on the mend! :-)

DeepBlueSomething · 9 November 2004 · Chapter 6: On The Wings Of Eagles

Glad Elrohir is finally getting better. It was sweet the way he encouraged his brother to get out and have some fun even though he knows he won't be able to join in. Legolas mentioned a time during his recovery when he was well enough to be bored but too sick to do anything about it. Sounds like Elrohir is in for a boring few days. Lets see how long it takes him to snap. (LOL!) I like the way you added the eagles in this chapter. That was a really cool touch. I laughed when the eagle referred to Elrohir as Elrond's fledgling. Very cute.

pipinheart · 7 November 2004 · Chapter 6: On The Wings Of Eagles

This is a good story that shows the love between the twinns...How bad it would be if one was lost, the other may follow... Please continue this it is great.... Update soon...

Kitty · 6 November 2004 · Chapter 6: On The Wings Of Eagles

Poor Elrohir, it will be not so easy for him as long as he is confined to bed! It must be quite boring for him - and for Elladan as well. Maybe they can play some games to held him occupied? Elladan at last can go with Legolas and do something like riding, but Elrohir? I loved Elrohir's remark about how Námo would react if he had both twins in his halls! And the eagles were a very nice idea, too.

Bodkin · 6 November 2004 · Chapter 6: On The Wings Of Eagles

I am glad Elrohir is recovering. That moment when Elrond and Celebrian were sure they had lost him must have been terrible - and his return must have seemed incomprehensible. He seems to recall his near-death experience fairly clearly - I hadn't thought about his rejection of Namo's invitation meaning that had he still died he would have become a houseless spirit (mainly because he can't die! - he still has things to do). Now he's grumpy and weak and wanting to do things for himself - Elladan will probably find this stage almost as difficult to stand, for entirely different reasons. Elrohir has told his brother to go out - I wonder how long it will be before he gets resentful of Elladan's freedom. It's a good thing the eagles brought E and C to see to their fledglings - that must have been some experience. One E2 will envy enormously, I should think.

French Pony · 5 November 2004 · Chapter 6: On The Wings Of Eagles

Oooh, the Eagles! They're something of a deus ex machina, but then, that's how Tolkien tends to use them. But they are a wise and impressive and totally completely cool deus ex machina, and you use them well here. Now Elrohir gets to enjoy the best and the worst part of being sick -- the getting-better-time. Each day you feel a little less terrible, but it takes so long to get all your strength back, and it's so frustrating. . . but each day you can do more. He is a very lucky Elf.

Lianna · 5 November 2004 · Chapter 6: On The Wings Of Eagles

Ooh, I want to ride an eagle. It sounds so cool. Frodo and Sam didn't get to appreciate their ride, but Elrond and Celebrian will appreciate theirs later, even if they couldn't enjoy it at the time because they were so worried about Elrohir. You did a great job conveying Elladan's relieved-yet-frustrated boredom. And poor Elrohir will be going through the same thing soon. Being incapacitated or being the companion to someone in that condition is just so dull, even nowadays with the help of daytime TV. It's hard to imagine what it would have been like back in Middle-Earth.

elliska · 5 November 2004 · Chapter 6: On The Wings Of Eagles

You did a great job describing the frustration of waiting for someone to recover/recovering yourself! Been there, both places. I like the involvement of the eagles. I always liked them. Cute to describe Elrond's 'fledglings.' :) But I loved: "“Can you imagine both of us in his halls? Námo would have sent us on our way to be reborn even faster than Glorfindel was!” Too funny.

daw the minstrel · 5 November 2004 · Chapter 6: On The Wings Of Eagles

I always like to hear about the eagles. Those kind of talking, cooperating animals are so other-worldly and magical. Elrohir is finding out some things that are startling him.

Dot · 24 October 2004 · Chapter 5: Hope Remains

Oh, excellent chapter. It’s fascinating to watch Elladan draw away from focusing solely on his twin to take in the fact that there are now others around who want to share him and to slowly relinquish his possessiveness and desperation. I thought it was really moving the way Elrond and Celebrían seem to just want to touch Elrohir, almost as though they can’t quite believe it. It must have been hard for Elladan when he sees Elrond’s expression. Even though he told himself that his father probably wouldn’t have been able to do anything, having this confirmed can’t have been easy. Your description of Elrohir was just heart-breaking, especially when contrasted with how brimming with vitality he was a few days earlier. What a shock it must have been for Elrond and Celebrían. I imagine Elladan doesn’t look a whole lot better. Even sadder is the image of the three of them weeping together and the pleas of the parents to their sons. How frightening for Elrond and Celebrían to know that if they lost Elrohir there was every likelihood that they would also lose Elladan. Ah, the guilt factor. I get the impression that Elrond was giving Elladan a chance to voice the thoughts that would be a plague to him. I really like how firm his parents are with him. Speaking to him in that manner and making him look at what happened more objectively surely goes a longer way to reassuring him than just simply soothing words. Celebrían is very impressive here. This must be a nightmare for her but she still manages to handle Elladan in such a very practical manner. I enjoyed seeing a bit of Galadriel in her! At least the fact that she is Galadriel’s daughter gives her some understanding of how frustrating Elladan’s visions must be. At last Calmacil can offer a bit of hope. Of course, they all know that there’s still a long way to go yet but at least that awful despair can be eased a little. I was so glad that Elladan was finally persuaded to sleep – and then you had to go and give him nightmares! I feel so bad for him. What he’s lived through will probably haunt him for a long time yet. And yay! Yay! Elrohir awoke! I’m SO relieved. Which makes a very nice change from being tense and anxious at the end of one of your chapters! I loved the closing image too of Elrohir asleep in his mother’s arms. It makes him seem so vulnerable in a way but also it’s wonderful to see them both at peace for the first time in days. I think this family really needed to be together during this time and I’m so happy that they are now and can share this burden. Their unquestioning love and support is just beautiful to witness. :-)

elliska · 24 October 2004 · Chapter 5: Hope Remains

Thank goodness. Both for the presence of Elrond and Celebrian to give Elladan some support and for Elrohir's awakening. I hope we are out of the woods but I will only trust that when I see it. :) Great chapter and I'm looking forward to the next one.

Kitty · 24 October 2004 · Chapter 5: Hope Remains

Oh, I am glad! Now I don't have to wait so anxious for the next chapter, only curious. I love this chapter - first of all because Elrohir is a little bit better, and then it was so nice how Elladan thought about his parents and their ability to make nearly everything better. It must be very relieving for him to know they are here, even if they actually are not able to do anything to help Elrohir. He ist not longer so alone with his doubts and fears. And I am glad Celebrían doesn't let him take the blame for what has happened. She is very right, he would have acted exactly the same way as Elrohir had. And thank you for pointing out my mistake with besides/beneath to me! After your answer I did what I should have done before reviewing and looked in the dictionary. Then I had to laugh. You are right, it sounds slashy! Probably I shouldn't read so many slashfics! Now I will remember the difference :-)

Elendiari22 · 24 October 2004 · Chapter 5: Hope Remains

Aww! The last few paragraphs, when Elrohir wakes up, are my favorite of this chapter. This is such a great fic; I've been lax on reviewing it until now, I think. I can't wait to read more!

DeepBlueSomething · 24 October 2004 · Chapter 5: Hope Remains

Yeah, he's awake! That was a really sweet chapter. I especially liked the bit about Elrohir falling back to sleep leaning against his mother's shoulder. I'm glad they finally got Elladan to get some sleep. He was prpbably about ready to drop from exhaustion. Great chapter. Looking forward to the recovery in the next chapter.

French Pony · 24 October 2004 · Chapter 5: Hope Remains

Hi! School's been really busy, and I missed reviewing the last chapter, but I certainly haven't forgotten this story. Funny how just having your parents there makes everything all right. Even if you're all grown up, there are times when you just need to have nana and ada around and let them deal with problems. Nanas in particular have very powerful making-it-better magic, and you can really see why the boys would be so devastated when Celebrian was kidnapped. Elladan really needed to be taken care of, and it seems like his parents were the only people he would allow to take care of him. Because, to everyone in Mirkwood, he's a grownup, and he has to look responsible. But to Elrond and Celebrian, he's still their little kid, and he can hand the responsibility off to them and allow himself to be frightened. If he's drawing strength from Elrohir, then it's all for the best that nana and ada got him to rest. I'm sure it was the weight of dealing with his own illness and Elladan's panic that kept Elrohir comatose for so long. Once Elladan relaxed, Elrohir could finally wake up. And I've been meaning to ask you -- they mention that Legolas got bit and survived. Which story was that in? Perhaps I should go read it.

Lianna · 24 October 2004 · Chapter 5: Hope Remains

Thank the Valar! Elladan can relax a bit now, and so can your readers. I must admit that I was very worried about Elrohir when you indicated that his response to the poison was different from what Legolas had experienced and what Calmacil expected. I thought that perhaps Elrohir might have had a different (and perhaps worse) reaction because he's Peredhil rather than full-blooded elf or that he might have had some sort of damage as a result of the near-death experience. Of course, I realize that you may still have some complications in store for Elrohir. After all, you did that sort of thing to Legolas in another story, where he had some problems for awhile after almost drowning in Imladris. I like the way you described Elladan's reaction to his parents' arrival in the first paragraph of this chapter. Of course he's old enough to realize that his parents aren't infallible. But there's still a comfort in their presence that nobody else would be able to provide. That rings true. May I ask -- unless you're deliberately concealing it -- is Calmacil male or female? Somehow, I've never been able to figure it out, and not knowing makes it difficult for me to picture him/her in my mind.

Bodkin · 24 October 2004 · Chapter 5: Hope Remains

Yay, Elrohir opened his eyes and drank! Good - now just to hope there are no relapses! What a good thing that Elrond and Celebrian arrived to support Elladan through this and convince him that it wasn't his fault. I loved seeing Celebrian being like her mother! She could do it if she wanted to - she just prefers to be milder! And Elladan was in serious need of some sleep. At last a positive (if guarded) statement from Calmacil. Foresight doesn't seem to be much of a gift, really.

daw the minstrel · 24 October 2004 · Chapter 5: Hope Remains

Well, thank goodness! Elladan is really suffering in this. His parents were very sensible and I'm sure he accepts their arguments with one part of his mind, but it's hard to quiet the other part that feels guilty. It's interesting to see that the physical suffering of Elrohir is not the only kind here.

DeepBlueSomething · 17 October 2004 · Chapter 4: Unexpected Arrivals

That was so sad. Things don't look good for Elrohir. I also noticed that this chapter contained the scene from your drabble. At least Elrond and Celebrian are there now. I think Elladan could really use some emotional support. Legolas had really been great through all of this. It's sweet the way he pops in to sit with the twins in between his duties. I'm glad his patrol got all the nasty spiders. Not something you want crawling around in your back yard. I really like Calmacil. He's a cool character. It will be intersting to see his interaction with Elrond. Elrond is probably used to playing the role of healer in this kind of situation. However, this time he gets to be a frantic relative. I'll bet it will be difficult for him to sit back and let someone else be in charge of his son's care. However, it seems like Calmacil has a good bedside manner. I don't envy him having to cope with Elrond the father, instead of Elrond the healer. Sounds like poor Elrohir is going to have a LONG recovery if he survives this. Will you be extending the story into that part as well? I hope so. I like the comfort part of hurt/comfort stories. Love this story. Thanks for taking the time to write it. You are doing a great job, as always.

Dot · 17 October 2004 · Chapter 4: Unexpected Arrivals

What a very powerful chapter. God, my heart is pounding. I think poor Elladan is nearing breaking point. That idea of life continuing on as normal outside the sickroom is spot on. I think we’ve all felt like that at times, be it with anger or, as in Elladan’s case, simple incomprehension. I’m wondering about the room they’re in. Elladan seems to long for the “light, airy rooms, the wide windows and walkways that seemed to link the rooms seamlessly with the outside” of his home that they’re both used to. I suppose there’s not much anyone can do about it if the infirmary is part of the caverns but it would seem to me that they might both benefit from somewhere a little less stifling. Isn’t Legolas just marvellous? He’s being such a true friend, just quietly supportive and staying there even when he knows he can’t really do anything. It’s so good of him, particularly when he still has to work as well. He’s the kind of person anyone would want to have with them in a crisis. I really feel for Elladan in his exhaustion, utterly afraid to sleep for fear of missing either precious time with his brother, or his last moments. If only *someone* could offer genuine hope, he might be able to get some rest. The description of Elrohir’s pulse changing dramatically and the sudden gasps for breath are just so frightening. I think it was around there that the screen went blurry from tears. Not only is he obviously still suffering but how awful to have to watch that. That bit with Thranduil was so very moving. Of anyone, he does indeed understand Elladan’s anguish. His whispered admission that sometimes he had wished that Legolas could have gone beyond the pain was just heart-wrenching. It really drives home just how ill Elrohir is here, and how Legolas was, as well as the desperation of those who watch over them. Your images are so vivid – the dull skin, the chapped lips, the bruises… It must have been hard for Elladan to see the bruising that came from his own hands, but at least he seems to know that he had no choice. It scares me to see Calmacil so puzzled. Bad news would be heartbreaking but it’s just awful for no-one to know what’s happening. Elrond may be the greatest healer, but Calmacil would be much more familiar with the effects of spider venom. Elladan’s longing for his parents to some and offer him some comfort and hope is just so sad to see. But they’re here! Thank the stars. Even though it’s only been three days since Elrohir was bitten… Perhaps Elladan wasn’t the only one to have had a vision. Maybe Galadriel? Elrond? Or maybe when Elrond and Celebrían felt their sons’ pain they just rode like the devil. Anyway, they seem unlikely to be able to do much but their presence should comfort at least one of their sons. I guess like Elladan, I’ll just have to wait and see what happens…;-)

elliska · 17 October 2004 · Chapter 4: Unexpected Arrivals

It seemed strange to Elladan that while all of his attention was here, focused on Elrohir and his struggle for life, elsewhere life was unaffected. Children would be playing; people laughing; completely unaware of the desperate fight so near them. He was afraid that if he stopped his soft words of encouragement, Elrohir would be lost. He was afraid that Elrohir would indeed die, and was desperate not to waste any of the precious time they had left together. He was afraid that Elrohir would die while he slept, and he would never have the chance to say goodbye. So he sat, sleepless and exhausted, and waited. Wow. You captured the feelings of sitting with a dying family member all too well here. Great job. I am very glad Elrond has arrived. The twins need him.

Lianna · 17 October 2004 · Chapter 4: Unexpected Arrivals

"It seemed strange to Elladan that while all of his attention was here, focused on Elrohir and his struggle for life, elsewhere life was unaffected. Children would be playing; people laughing; completely unaware of the desperate fight so near them." That's so exactly right, Jay. I think we have all had that feeling at some time or other, when our own families have been caught up in a crisis. How could the rest of the world not notice? I think you're right about Thranduil's reaction when Legolas was so ill, too. People do sometimes just want the sick person's pain to end, sometimes, in that situation -- and then they may feel guilty later if the person recovers. I'm glad Thranduil doesn't seem to be suffering from guilt, though. He wouldn't be able to help Elladan if he was. Have I mentioned how much I like your version of Legolas? He's so competent and unobtrusively supportive -- which is exactly how I would expect him to be, considering the way he acts in LOTR (especially the movies). I have always seen Legolas as the sort of friend you would want to have nearby when you're facing one of the greatest challenges of your life -- whether you're Aragorn struggling through the War of the Ring or Elladan coping with the more personal crisis in this story. Your version of Legolas is one of the most in-character versions I have ever seen in fanfiction.

Bodkin · 17 October 2004 · Chapter 4: Unexpected Arrivals

Poor Elrohir - but even poorer Elladan. In some ways, being the person at the centre of a medical crisis is more tolerable than being the helpless person watching your loved one suffer. Elladan has plenty of support, but nothing will really help him until Elrohir opens his eyes and recognises him. This poison sounds extremely unpleasant. I suggest they avoid spiders in future. Thranduil's admission that there were moments when death seemed preferable to watching Legolas suffer further is quite horrific. I hope he survives without permanent damage.

Kitty · 17 October 2004 · Chapter 4: Unexpected Arrivals

You have me on the edge of my seat once more. Poor Elladan, he must be totally despaired. To sit hour after hour beneath his twin and fear to loose him forever, while the hope dwindles ... *wants to hug and comfort Elladan* I hope, his parents are able to help *both* of them at least a bit. Elladan needs help nearly as much as his brother. It is good that he is not longer alone with this burden! I am anxiously waiting for the next chapter! You write angst so well - but the consequence is, I can't wait for the update ... P.S. Thank you very much for your compliment about my English! I was quite happy and glad to know it is not so bad as I sometime fear - and of course it is encouraging to try and write more reviews.

daw the minstrel · 17 October 2004 · Chapter 4: Unexpected Arrivals

You have realistic details here, Jay, that make the story more gripping -- the fresh buising, for instance, or the cracked lips. I still like the glimpses of grown-up warrior Legolas that we get, and I was happy to see Elrond and Celebrian.