The True Face of Courage by FirstMate

Reviews (107)

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Ellie · 25 October 2010 · Chapter 12: Resolution

anexcellent ending! I like the way you tied everything together. I enjoyed this story very much. Please write more soon!

BlueEyedElf · 10 October 2010 · Chapter 12: Resolution

All is right, indeed. That was a great ending, FirstMate! That was a sad story about Benny. Too bad everyone around him couldn't see what a toad he was. I enjoyed the mention of an angry Celebrian. I remember imagining in Elrohir's first cave incident that she would likely be less apt to forgive the two guilty elflings than Elrond. Poor Estel, vomiting in the bushes. I'm so glad he finally saw sense. I think it was probably necessary to tell him that graphic a story to drive the point home. A surly Elrohir was certainly interesting. I have to agree with Estel, though. It wasn't funny. It wasn't funny at all. Finally, poor Elrohir. He had to wake to the aftermath of another reaction he couldn't control. Luckily, he had the fortune of losing control in the presence of those who love him and will forgive him without reservation. Great job! I thoroughly enjoyed this, and it is always going to be one of my favorites (along with "Lost").

curiouswombat · 9 October 2010 · Chapter 12: Resolution

Well done on getting to the end! Seeing that 'completed' at the end meant that I have sat and read from start to finish, when I should have been doing housework and shopping. Well written.

pipinheart · 9 October 2010 · Chapter 12: Resolution

This wasa wonderful ending to such a great story. Estel, truly did learn what courage is... Elladan and Elrohir, are both stubron, and that medicine did take it self out of Elrohir. Legolas was a good friend to all of them, just by being there... I loved what Estel told Elrohir about courage, it is such a true statment...Wouldn't mind hearing another story from you.... lovely...

BlueEyedElf · 9 May 2010 · Chapter 11: Realization

Don't take this the wrong way, FirstMate, but I'm glad you accidentally erased the chapter and had to rewrite it. That was absolutely phenomenal! I love the way the chapter shows the deep bond between the twins. Elladan is so focused on his twin he is able to completely ignore his own pain and fatigue. I commend Elladan for not losing control of his stomach, when he was already feeling sick to begin with. I also like the way Elladan admits the fact that it is Elrohir who is injured puts his own experience on a whole different level, even though he has certainly seen his share of blood as a warrior. I'm so glad Estel has managed to redeem himself in a big way. It took a lot of guts to come right out and apologize to Legolas. It was very perceptive of Legolas to encourage him to keep talking when he could see how nervous Estel was about the apology. Estel's apology to the twins will be interesting. Elladan should be feeling much better after a good night's sleep, but Elrohir probably isn't going to feel so good for a few days at least. It will be interesting to hear them try to explain this one to Elrond. I have a feeling Elrohir will be more upset about his own behavior than worried about receiving apologies. This mess will probably take a while to work out emotionally. I can't wait to read the next chapter. Thank you so much for rewriting the chapter. Accidentally erasing the whole chapter had to very frustrating. Thanks again for not giving up. The extreme emotion factor made this my favorite chapter to date. BlueEyedElf

Author's reply

Hey BEE...you're my last review response before I post the next chapter. I seem to have gotten in the habit of responding right before I post (from long ago when responses were often posted at the end of the next chapter). Bad habit, but I haven't managed to break it. ANYway, I really,really appreciated your review and enthusiastic approval of the rewrite. The next chapter is filled to the brim with angst, apologies, emotions, and resolutions--I hope so much you enjoy it! FM

Ellie · 8 May 2010 · Chapter 11: Realization

Excellent chapter! You injure the twins so well I mean you write them so well. The story is wonderful and doesn't have to have only one chapter to go, does it? The tension and the description of Elladan and Elrohir's internal struggles were very well done. Can't wait for more!

Author's reply

Hi Ellie! Yes...(smile)...I guess I do manage to do more than my fair share of injuries to the twins. Sigh. Just one more chapter to go and I'm ready now to post it. Hope you enjoy it! Thanks so much for the review! FM

pipinheart · 8 May 2010 · Chapter 11: Realization

This was a lovely chapter...bad you lost all that, but sometime from scratch works out for the better... Elrohir is stubron as is Ellaadan, both are tired and on edge. Elrohir should know better than hide an injure. Estel showed great skill, both Legolas and him are going to have to watch the brothers.... Can't wait to hear the rest, was on the edge of my seat....

Author's reply

Hey pipinheart...true, sometimes it's better to start over, but it really frustrated me to have lost that last chapter. Fortunately, the next one is now ready and unless my house burns down tonight I think it'll stay safe. :) The little group will have all their issues resolved in it--I hope you enjoy it! Thanks so much for reviewing. I really appreciate it! FM

Sulwing of Mirkwood · 15 April 2010 · Chapter 10: Bitter Memory, Part III

p.s. do you know you made me cry? poor Elrohir...just heart-wrenching...

Author's reply

Oh dear...sorry.

Sulwing of Mirkwood · 15 April 2010 · Chapter 10: Bitter Memory, Part III

I can't remember if I've reviewed this story before but just wanted to let you know I think it's awesome! I just feel so sorry for Elrohir. He needs a hug. :) Though I guess Elladan gave him one. I love stories where the connection between the twins is emphasized. And I think Estel has finally learned a most valuable lesson. I want to see him talk with Elrohir now. :) If there is one thing I never ever ever want to face it is an angry Glorfindel. :O He's....scary. And SO cool! :D Love how you portray everyone!

Author's reply

Hi Sulwing. I'm so glad you like the story. I started it so, so long ago that I'm thrilled folks are still patient enough to read it. Yeah, I haven't been too nice to Elrohir and I'm afraid my mean streak isn't over yet. The next chapter is full of it as well. Oh well. Estel is finally getting a clue!

Kitty · 7 April 2010 · Chapter 10: Bitter Memory, Part III

Yay, an update! *does a happy dance* That was quite intense. I had known something would go wrong with Elrohir's stay there, but that was even worse than I feared! Poor guy, after the earlier experience with rats in a dark cave, this had to deepen the trauma even more. I'm not exactly afraid of rats (though I can't say I like them), but the image of being chained in the dark and feeling them crawling all over me is an absolute nightmare. No wonder the poor elfling panicked. He'd have reason to, even without his former experience. It was heartbreaking that he thought they would think him weak for it. Glad he is safe now. But I don't want Pedar getting away with it all *grumble* That guy deserves a punishment - badly. He and everyone involved in abusing Elrohir for feeling afraid in that horrible place. Oh well, if there's only one chapter left, I guess I can at least take some comfort from the hope that Estel will finally see sense. Otherwise send him over, and I'll give him a serious talking-to ;-) Hope you can post the last chapter soon.

Author's reply

Yea, a happy dance...they're always nice. I've got the next chapter almost done, but it's NOT going to be the last one after all. I'll explain why later. Has to do with a thumb drive and a washing machine. SIGH. Pedar was a bully and a fool, but I haven't decided what to do with him yet. Frank was a pretty decent leader, though, so I may leave it up to him to be creative. :) Well, thanks for the review and for not giving up on me.

BlueEyedElf · 6 April 2010 · Chapter 10: Bitter Memory, Part III

FirstMate! You're back! (Bounces up and down excitedly) I'm so glad to know you will be finishing this story. I was starting to get worried. Don't worry about losing my interest. I will stick with this story to the bitter end, no matter how long it takes. Your writing is too good for me to just walk away from it. On to the review. Poor Elrohir. I have strong urge to just give him a big hug. Hopefully, Estel has begun to see sense. At least I hope so for Elrohir's emotional state, Elladan's mental state, and Estel's physical state. Elladan my just throw caution to the wind and just beat sense into him. Since Elrohir seems to have finished his fishing, I hope his shoulder injury is not too serious. However, adrenaline may still be all that's keeping him going. He has had quite a shock over the last few days. He may start to feel his injuries once he is sure Elladan will be okay. I think they all need Elrond's intervention. He should be able to sort this mess out, although it would probably be better for them in the long run if they sorted it out themselves. Also, I wonder if we will see more of the flashback. That must have been an interesting homecoming. I'm assuming Celebrian was still around at that time? I think it would probably do Elrohir good for his mommy to hug him. He seems terribly afraid that he has somehow shamed Elrond. Perhaps he wouldn't feel that way about his mother. Based on parts of your story "Lost" he seems to have been a little closer to her than Elladan. Anyway, mom's are magic that way. They can make things all better when no one else can, no matter how old we are. Sorry I have been a little remiss about my reviews lately. I don't think I've reviewed the last few chapters. As I mentioned above, I am still reading, no matter what my review count says. I had better wrap this up, now that I have rambled for several paragraphs. Just wanted to let you know I am still reading and will continue to do so. Your loyal reader, BlueEyedElf

Author's reply

Hey BEE!! So glad to hear from you. (Yeah, I know...then why didn't I reply earlier.) Sigh. I'm the world's WORST procrastinator. I'm sorry. Well, poor Elrohir will need another hug after the next chapter which, actually, won't be the last, even though that had been my plan. I'll explain in an author's note at the end of the chapter why. It should be done either tonight or tomorrow. I've been trying hard to not wait a YEAR between updates again. Yikes! I agree a scene with Celebrian would have been nice, but I'm not sure how I could fit it in. Hmmm. I haven't written the "what happened afterwards" scene yet. Maybe I could throw something in. I'll see what my persnickety muse thinks. Anyway, glad you're still reading! Thanks for the review.

Ellie · 6 April 2010 · Chapter 10: Bitter Memory, Part III

excellent chapter! i felt sooo sorry for Elrohir and all that he had endured. It must have been so very hard for Elladan and Glorfindel to endure.

Author's reply

Hey Ellie...I appreciate the review. I really should stop beating up on Elrohir, but I'm not quite done with it yet. I do always make sure I have a happy ending, though. Yeah, I don't think Elladan and Glorfindel had a good time, either. Sometimes it's harder to see someone you care for in pain than to endure it yourself.

pipinheart · 6 April 2010 · Chapter 10: Bitter Memory, Part III

This is lovely.... Elrohir had a time of it, those emotional scares ran deep, I wonder how he coped once he was brought home.... Can't wait to hear the rest...

Author's reply

Hi Pipinheart, thanks for your review...sorry my response is late. I'm just now catching up on them all. Anyway, yes, the emotional scars are still there within him, although he's rather embarrassed he wasn't able to hide them.

Mithlond · 14 April 2009 · Chapter 9: Chapter 8, Bitter Memory [Part Two of Three]

It is not often that I go on marathons to read one story, but I must say your story has done that very thing! I have always had a soft spot for the twins and Legolas. Also, it is refreshing to see Estel acting like a normal pig-headed teenage boy for once instead of a miniature adult. This is very good! It is very enjoyable to read as it does not feel forced or fake in the least. Please do not delay us too long for the next installment :]

Sulwing of Mirkwood · 12 April 2009 · Chapter 9: Chapter 8, Bitter Memory [Part Two of Three]

I just read this for the first time and it's just great! I always like good stories with Elladan, Elrohir, and Legolas. I have to say, Estel is being completely dense--it's called courage! Though I guess everyone makes mistakes now and then, being human. Even the elves are "human" too sometimes...

Kitty · 8 April 2009 · Chapter 9: Chapter 8, Bitter Memory [Part Two of Three]

Oh, you updated! :))) Really, I'm quite annoyed with the twins right now. That's not the time to fight! Even more so as it ended so badly, obviously. But I'm even more annoyed with this nasty little liar Benny. Really hope he gets his due in the end! And I'm so worried what will happen to Elrohir now. From the purpose of Elladan's storytelling it is clear that he was not returning to a twin calmly and unharmed waiting there when he returned. Oh, and I'd certainly not mind if Elladan returned with an angry Lord Elrond and an equally angry Lord Glorfindel to confront these men!

Jay of Lasgalen · 8 April 2009 · Chapter 9: Chapter 8, Bitter Memory [Part Two of Three]

How wonderful to see an update - I was afraid this story had been abandoned! It's not just Estel I want to shake this time - it's Elladan for his insensitive, arrogant comments, and Elrohir for nursing his grudge. The twins really need to work together at a time like this ... I could throttle that nasty, sly Benny. What a little sh*t! Now, what's going to happen to Elrohir? Please don't keep us waiting quite so long this time :)

lyncarol333 · 8 April 2009 · Chapter 9: Chapter 8, Bitter Memory [Part Two of Three]

Thanks so much for this wonderful unexpected update of this great fic. I love all your fics, and was begining to think you had stopped writting. Thanks again Lyn

pipinheart · 8 April 2009 · Chapter 9: Chapter 8, Bitter Memory [Part Two of Three]

This is good. You feel for Elladan at what he said in anger and Elrohir is so stubron even though Elladan has apoligized to him. Benny is a liar, I'm sure they regret bringing back the dog. Estel is just as stubron by not listening. I hope those men don't hurt Elrohir, they don't seem to like men very well. I think this piece was well thought out, and it was a perfect match. Love it, Please, update soon....

Fantasia · 7 April 2009 · Chapter 9: Chapter 8, Bitter Memory [Part Two of Three]

I can't believe that you have updated!!!! I hope that you will post the next chapter soon, I really thought that you have decided to not finish this story, I still re-read Lost, it is one of the best stories that I've read...Thanks for this chapter, I liked it very much and sorry that took you too long, but at the end it is worth it, now to see what will happen to Elrohir, and I just want to shake Estel, so young and so impertinent...and Benny, what a mean boy, and the village, what is wrong with them? They live close to Rivendell and even if they were not Lord Elrond sons, are they expecting elves to be passive about men mistreating their people?...I’m worry for Elrohir, Elladan is right about things not ending well after they quarrel, we have Lost as proof of that…Waiting for more and thank you

Author's reply

Yeah, I finally got up off my duff and finished the chapter. It was such a pain to write, but it's done!!! Anyway, I am so glad that you enjoyed it and thank you so much for reviewing. I don't blame anyone for not reviewing after my pathetically long absence, so it is especially nice of you to send me your nice words. Benny was a brat in the end. I'd written him differently at first, but guess I developed a mean streak and turned him rotten :). I don't think the folks in Brightfalls are really thinking clearly about their attitude toward the twins. I figure most of them haven't seen many (or any) elves and view them with the suspicion of strangers you find in close-knit communities. They're not really bad folks...just uninformed. Well, while I feel motivated, I think I'll work a bit on the next chapter. :) Thank you again for the review! FM

Elfinabottle · 29 October 2007 · Chapter 8: Bitter Memory, Part I

Whoa. What an incredible story. I love it!!! Please continue as soon as you can. This is really original. It's nice to read an account of Estel as a somewhat spoiled teenager who can make a horrible mistake. It makes him all the more "human". It's wonderful to read of Elladan's patience, keeping in mind the same mistake he once made. I simply can't wait for more.

Elfinabottle · 29 October 2007 · Chapter 8: Bitter Memory, Part I

Whoa. What an incredible story. I love it!!! Please continue as soon as you can. This is really original. It's nice to read an account of Estel as a somewhat spoiled teenager who can make a horrible mistake. It makes him all the more "human". It's wonderful to read of Elladan's patience, keeping in mind the same mistake he once made. I simply can't wait for more.

pipinheart · 1 October 2007 · Chapter 8: Bitter Memory, Part I

I've waited a long time for this update but its been worth the wait. Elladan really was being an idiot to Elrohir. You can only think how hurt he was after his brother said those things to him. Especially since Elrohir protected him from that dog... Please continue...love it!!

Jay of Lasgalen · 29 September 2007 · Chapter 8: Bitter Memory, Part I

Welcome back - I was afraid we'd seen the last of you, and the story would never be finished! I like this new story of the younger twins, even though it's Elladan I want to kick this time :>) 'Eldest and heir' indeed - they're twins!! Who or what is the new arrival? I can't think it's anything friendly.

Kitty · 29 September 2007 · Chapter 8: Bitter Memory, Part I

FirstMate, that was certainly a surprise to see this story pop up here! I barely dared to believe my eyes – this time I really had lost hope you would ever update. Hm ... arrogant halfwit was a good description, I fear. What was Elladan thinking, talking this nonsense? Nothing much intelligent, probably. I feel so sorry for Elrohir – he saved Elladan’s life, was worried for his brother, and all he got was *this* response! Poor guy. No wonder he is hurt. And Estel ... *rolls eyes* It will truly be hard work to convince him – the last part left me again sitting here and wanting to shake him. (And the younger Elladan, too!) I look forward to the next update and hope it will not take too long.