Bodkin
· 5 October 2006
· Chapter 8: In The Deep Places Of The World
Well - tactless or what, Elladan! It's not surprising that Nain is a little miffed. Though Farin was right - get them out of Moria and the dwarves can continue their research. Research which should, I would have thought, told wise dwarves to give the place a wide berth.
I felt for Elrohir as he had to walk bent double through that passage! (We visited a cave in the summer and having to go a hundred yards or so with your head ducked and your knees bent is bad enough. And that's with a colourful plastic helmet to absorb the inevitable bumps.)
The water adventure sounded truly unpleasant. It's just as well Estel managed to squeeze through the gap - although it seems as if Bilbur might not have been so lucky. (A bit of rope. Very useful. Should always have some in your pocket.)
I hope you're well on the way with the next chapter - even if 3E are currently reasonably safe, I'm sure it won't last. And we need dwarf rescue now!
Author's reply
Elladan isn't normally that tactless, but he's so worried, and so p'd off at Nain that he let his temper get the better of him.
I've tried to make the caves and water trap as unpleasant as possible - an evil memory for poor Estel.
Sam would agree with you about rope. I had him in mind here!
nessa
· 4 October 2006
· Chapter 8: In The Deep Places Of The World
Wow, that was chilling. In more ways than one. I could feel the panic of poor Estel and my own breath was gasping. Who is going to go back for Bilbur? Maybe an elf? Thats who I would want to see if I was stuck in a tight spot.
Author's reply
Well, if E3 go back for him, it will go a long way towards building friendships with the dwarves!
(And I'd want to see an elf, tight spot or not ...)
Kitty
· 4 October 2006
· Chapter 8: In The Deep Places Of The World
Farin seems to be a surprisingly sensible dwarf. How nice of him to offer his help! Of course, the dwarves have probably at home studied maps of Moria, maybe even one with them, and know the maze of tunnels better than the sons of Elrond ever could. Though I have to admit their way seems not only uncomfortable, but uneasy as well. I'd have felt some claustrophobia in the low tunnel, and would have paniced in the water, of that I am certain, and so I can feel mit Estel. Anyway, it certainly was not the best way for the injured Elrohir.
And now, what has happened to Bilbur?? It was very nice of you to have only *Bilbur* missing and not Estel or one of the twins, so I can live with the cliffhanger for once ;)
Author's reply
I'm not sure if Farin has ever been to Moria before, but he would know the maze of tunnels better than anyone. The way he's chosen is the only way - he's not doing it to make life difficult for E3.
If Estel or the twins had been missing, everyone would have *known* they'd survive. With Bilbur - who knows?
*evil grin*
LOTR lover
· 4 October 2006
· Chapter 8: In The Deep Places Of The World
Wow! That was tough to read--what a wonderful job you did of describing that horrendous situation. I'm still shivering. I actually gasped and said "Oh, no!" out loud when Estel realized he had lost the rope.
I love all your characterizations. The dwarves are very dwarvish indeed, and the family dynamics you've built between the twins and Estel ring so true.
Great job. I'm looking forward to more--but I'm worried indeed about poor Bilbur. Thanks to Estel's experience, it's all too easy to imagine what he's going through.
Author's reply
I wanted to make the whole scene really terrifying. Aragorn says that the memory of Moria is very evil - so I gave him something to dread :(
I'm really glad you like the characterisations. I've very rarely written dwarves before, but I like to build a little sibling rivaly between Estel and the twins.
Lasse-Lanta
· 4 October 2006
· Chapter 8: In The Deep Places Of The World
Boy, did that ever give me the chills! Your description was so good I felt light headed when Estel got stuck, yikes claustraphobia, much. Anothr great chapter with a nice big cliffy.
Author's reply
I tried to make the atmosphere as chilling and frightening as possible - after all, Aragorn says that the memory of Moria is 'very evil'. I thought 'Why??'
French Pony
· 3 October 2006
· Chapter 8: In The Deep Places Of The World
The Dwarves really might want to rethink the wisdom of water traps like that. Particularly since they don't seem to be the most buoyant of species.
I have to say, I really like the Dwarves. The design flaws in the escape route aside, they seem like thoughtful, keen individuals who are pretty much on top of the situation. They seem to take things in stride, and aren't prone to unnecessary panic. Just what Estel and the twins need at the moment.
But that water trap, man. Not the most brilliant idea to come from the children of Aulë.
Author's reply
Ah, the water trap. Not the best route for Bilbur, or a race that favours heavy boots and iron accessories!
I'm finding I really like Farin. He's so practical. He really wants to help E3, and knows exactly how to get Nain and Bilbur to agree with him.
Elflingimp
· 3 October 2006
· Chapter 8: In The Deep Places Of The World
Yikes! what happened to the dwarf????? The underwater visual was so good I could almost feel the panic in Estel,once I took a dare and jumped off a really tall tower at the swimming quarry and when I came down and hit the water I really went down deep,I thought my lungs would burst before I hit the surface and I thought I wasnt going to make it,I of course got panickey so I can relate to this chapter well, althou my water was not black and mirkey........Ugh!
Author's reply
That sounds scary. I hate the pain in my ears when I jump or dive into deep water!
I tried to make this scene vivid and frightening. I had to give Estel a reason to have evil memories of the place.
daw the minstrel
· 3 October 2006
· Chapter 8: In The Deep Places Of The World
Well, that was nightmare stuff. I'm kind of claustrophobic and that whole sequence in the tunnel made me cringe. Good for Estel though. Let's see what happens with Bilbur.
Author's reply
Yes, it was supposed to be nightmarish and claustrophobic. I'm glad it worked! I wanted to give Estel plenty of reasons to have evil memories of Moria.
Ellie
· 9 September 2006
· Chapter 7: Unexpected Company
I absolutely loved that last line about his grandmother. What a hoot! And I know he desperately wanted to follow that comment with some rude elvish hand gesture.
Another excellent chapter!
Ellie
nessa
· 8 September 2006
· Chapter 7: Unexpected Company
Well, the dwarves were a surprise. I loved the initial unpleasant words exchanged. "The only good elf is a dead elf" and "Stunted dirt digger". So typical and yet I didn't see it coming. I'm glad Estel was mature enough to know he couldn't keep watch all night without endangering everyone and that Elladan was able to convince him that he really was proud of him for that.
Kitty
· 6 September 2006
· Chapter 7: Unexpected Company
Nice reminders of your earlier stories. This time I do know more than Estel :)
And after the earlier irritations, it is good that Estel recognised his limitations – and Elladan acknowledged it. I think Estel needed this confirmation.
The dwarves are quite a surprise. Well, why not? Somehow it seems plausible that Balin did send some scouts ahead before he went to re-establish Moria as realm of the dwarves, though I wonder why they came, considering what the scouts found there. Only a pity for the dwarves they encountered just some of the probably very few elves who understand Khuzdul *eg* Seeing how much they esteem Elrond, maybe they are inclined to help the three sons of Elrond to find their way out. But maybe not, considering their opinion of Galadriel. I am not sure if it was wise of Elladan to tell them the ‚witch’ is their grandmother, but admittedly I enjoy it to imagine the faces of the dwarves after this revelation *grin*
A dragon? Now, I can see why they thought that. For them, it seemed probably more likely than the balrog.
fawlen
· 6 September 2006
· Chapter 7: Unexpected Company
Another fabulous chapter! Suprised that they run in to Dwarves never thought of that with all the Orc's running around and the hmmm...Dragon.I'm happy to see Estel so pleased to take the first watch Elladan must trust him again and hope Elrohir heals enough before another skirmish thanks Please update soon.
Interesting idea to have Elrohir healing himself. Elrond's doubt in this matter seems well founded, and I suspect Elrohir could only do it because he had his twin with him. Elladan could lend him strength and block out his pain enough to be able to concentrate, and I think this is something more unique to the twins, or am I mistaken?
Good to know even Elladan is acknowledging how useful his littlest brother can be! Great idea to block the tunnel this way! Though I suppose the fire and the collapsing tunnel forced the orcs to look up and detect them. Well, the climb up took longer than expected, considering Elrohir's fatigue. Poor elf, no wonder he is so exhausted after all he had been through.
This doesn't sound good. I thought it couldn't be the balrog, but now I have some doubts ...
Author's reply
You're quite right about the twins' healing technique. Elrohir couldn't have done it on his own, he needed Elladan's support. Healing himself is far harder than healing someone else, and it's why it's never been done before. In fact, part of the reason for this whole story was to look at the possibility of Elrohir doing this.
Elladan is realising just how much Estel has learned, and how sensible and resourceful he is - and it doesn't end here.
The Balrog? Unfortunately, Elrohir is not at his best, and thinks he's seeing things ...
Jay
Kitty
· 5 September 2006
· Chapter 5: Time Runs Out
Somehow it is reassuring to have the twins banter and Elrohir complaining about his medicine. That's more like them, even if their situation is rather desperate. And I am glad Elladan got to apologise to Estel and to reassure him how well he has done.
The way how Elladan got there sounds horrible. Climbing through the cave, when the orcs only have to look up to spy him, and then to have to find the right tunnel first? That was truly a last, desperate try, wasn't it? Well, it brought him to his destination, but of course Elrohir can't escape the same way, and I doubt Estel could, either.
Uh, orcs *once again*? Really, these mines are *infested* with them! Can't they leave the twins and Estel be??
You know, the one advantage of reading this so late is not to have to wait for the next chapter until I have catched up *runs away to the next*
Author's reply
All three of them are relieved to be back together again. And of course, being male, they show that relief by joking. Elladan isn't going to reveal quite how bad his search was for a long time.
The thing is, the orcs don't really know that E3 are there - not yet. It's just very, very bad luck. Perhaps their luck is about to change ...
Jay
Kitty
· 5 September 2006
· Chapter 4: Reunion
Don't know for whom to feel sorry the most! Elladan for being cut off from the others, not knowing much of how they are and forced to find another way through this maze, Elrohir for being injured (again – what has he done to you?) and Estel for being trapped there with an immobilised Elrohir.
Estel remained admirably calm in the face of disaster and acted very cool. I don't envy him the situation he was in.
Loved the way you used the cloaks from Lothlórien tend to make their bearers invisible. Only a pity the orcs have a very good sense of smell!
Oh, thank Goodness, Elladan has found them! Hopefully he can give his twin something for the pain, and if they encounter more orcs, at least there are two of them able to fight. And maybe Elladan can carry Elrohir to try and get out of there?
Author's reply
Well, you're supposed to feel sorry for all three of them, so I guess it worked. I think it was worst for Elladam, parted from the others; and Estel, wondering how on earth he was going to save Elrohir :(
If anything, the cloaks work too well - that orc actually stood on poor Elrohir!
See? I don't always do cliffhangers. I can be nice to them as well. They deserve a little quiet time together.
Jay
Kitty
· 5 September 2006
· Chapter 3: Disaster Strikes
If that was his first real fight, Estel did a great job. Well, he had the best trainers available, hadn't he? And he got away rather well after that – thanks to Elrohir, who was much more understanding. Elladan takes his role as the oldest brother sometimes a bit too serious, but I can understand why he reacted so angry, considering the circumstances.
Knowing there are orcs and still going deep in the mines to seek the source of the problem was brave. The more so as they are only three, and if they are attacked by a great group of orcs, they would be badly outnumbered. Not to mention Moria is a maze in which they don't know their way, but the orcs do.
Hmmm ... you're quite fond of cliffhangers, aren't you? Glad I can read the next chapter at once!
Author's reply
Estel has been *very* well trained, but this was a nasty moment for him. And then his brothers yelled at him :( Poor kid. But he knows he shouldn't have wandered off.
E3 are brave, but they hope that as there are only three of them the orcs won't notice. It works for a while ...
Jay
grumpy
· 5 September 2006
· Chapter 7: Unexpected Company
Oh, dwarves, I so like your dwarves. Just strolling down the great hall like they belonged they, which of course they do. I see the old distrust between dwarves and elves is still there.
Glad that Estel passed the watch over, otherwise he would have nodded off, and the dwarves would have gone right by.
Hmmmm, a dragon, well that could have been the explaination, of the evil they feel. We know better thou.
Author's reply
I keep dropping all sorts of hints about the Balrog, but E3 aren't listening! Now they think it's a dragon - but there had to be something for them to discover, or they'd have keep looking.
I'm so glad you like the dwarves! They're not exactly friends with elves, but they are all on the same side - and that will have to be enough for now.
Kitty
· 5 September 2006
· Chapter 2: A Journey In The Dark
Sorry, Jay, somehow after the long internet break I never got truly around to read this. Now I'll try to catch up finally. I don't suppose you're over all your cliffhangers already, so I don't have to fear for our three heroes too long? *grin*
Knowing there is a balrog, the feeling of unease is so real, even if I doubt this monster will show up - then the Fellowship would have been warned. You have me permanently wondering just *what* is creeping around there. There's a very odd feeling on my back ... *shudders*
Uh, they have discovered Estel? And my lunch break is over, I have to wait with the next chapter :(
Author's reply
I keep dropping hints about the Balrog, but E3 aren't listening. Elrohir even *sees* the thing at one point - but he doesn't realise it. They come to quite the wrong conclusion in the end.
At least if you come to the story late there are several chapters to read at once. And I never mind late reviews!
Jay
Bodkin
· 5 September 2006
· Chapter 7: Unexpected Company
What bold - if rather foolhardy - dwarves! I love the eye-narrowed well-for-elves-Elrond's-OK sort of suspicion that made them decide to tolerate E3. And E2's revelation of their skills with Khuzdul! I suspect that revealing their family bond with the Witch of the Golden Wood won't increase their popularity, though.
But I suppose, for Balin to go to Moria, there must have been a variety of those who went to look - and didn't see anything bad enough to stop them going. After all, dwarves aren't daft! They wouldn't have tried to re-occupy Moria if they'd known it was up to its armpits in orcs.
Poor Elrohir. It's just as well Elladan can support him in more ways than the physical, but soooooo draining! Estel showed his maturity by realising that he couldn't let Elladan sleep (it's hardly the place to fall asleep on guard). I'd love to know just how Glorfindel reacted to Elladan's lapse - have you written it, or is it one of those possibilities to look forward to?
I hope they're all relatively safe at the moment. They really need some time to recover before the next round of exercise starts!
Author's reply
Elladan's tired and worried - he's a little touchy. It might have been best to keep the information about Galadriel to themselves, and he couldn't help snapping at that dwarf - though at least he's got the words right ;)
I decided it would be in keeping with canon if Balin sent someone ahead to check out Moria - so along came Farin. The dwarves' knowledge could be useful.
Estel is proving his maturity time and again in this adventure. I was going to let him keep watch alone all night, but then decided it would show his growth even more if he realised he couldn't do it. That was the first moment that Elladan's lapse came to life - I must write it one day :)
BlueEyedElf
· 4 September 2006
· Chapter 7: Unexpected Company
I've been reading this since the beginning, but have not yet reviewed.
I loved the idea that Elladan can lend Elrohir strength to heal himself. You are so good at highlighting their special bond.
The meeting with the dwarves is interesting. I thought Elladan might throttle that one dwarf for his comment about Elrohir. Luckily, the leader seems to be a nice guy.
It will be interesting so see how the dwarves react to finding out that E & E are Galadriel's grandsons.
Great job!
Author's reply
You've been procastinating! I never, never mind late reviews :)
I think that as twins - especially elven twins - Elladan and Elrohir share a close bond. They know each other's feelings and emotions, and just 'know' one another so well after 3000 years together. It also makes them very protective - the dwarf was lucky!
French Pony
· 4 September 2006
· Chapter 7: Unexpected Company
Hi there! I don't remember whether or not I reviewed your last chapter, but here I am. Meeting the Dwarves was an unexpected, but welcome, twist. I like the sort of wary acquaintanceship that they all settle on, prompted by mention of Elrond. The Dwarves seem pretty levelheaded, but boy howdy are they going to regret not checking out that red glow a little further.
I also like the idea that the Man in the Moon song originated in Imladris. The twins taught it to Aragorn, who taught it to Bilbo, who taught it to Frodo! Of course! And then Aragorn must have been surprised to hear it again in Bree all those years later.
Author's reply
I'm glad you like the dwarves! I know it was some time after this story is set that Balin came to Moria - but it made sense for an advance party to look first. It also seemed clear that dwarves were fairly frequent visitors to Imladris, so they'd know Elrond.
I was trying to think of ways in which Estel might have tried to keep himself awake - and singing songs was obvious. The Man in the Moon song seems the sort of thing the twins would teach a child!
BTW, happy birthday :)
viggomaniac
· 4 September 2006
· Chapter 5: Time Runs Out
No time for more than 'great chapter'. I caught up with your story last night. Very exciting and different. I enjoy seeing stories that feature Estel and the twins in a brotherly relationship and you've filled the bill nicely.
Author's reply
The twins are my favourite characters, but I've only written them with Estel a couple of times. I think they would have been wonderful big brothers to little Estel - but now the time has come for him to put their training to good use, and prove his skills.
Glad you're enjoying this - thanks for reviewing!
Nilmandra
· 4 September 2006
· Chapter 7: Unexpected Company
I can't imagine the shock of running into a friendly person in Moria, after what they had just been through there. I am sure the dwarves were stunned by Elladan speaking their language, too. The dwarf learned an important lesson about not assuming anything, I'm sure.
A dragon seems reasonable. Does make you wonder what other creatures might live in the deeps of Moria. The critter outside of Moria in Hollin was frightening enough.
Estel is getting some important lessons as well.
Author's reply
I'm not entirely sure that all the dwarves are friendly, but at least they're on the same side. Imladris was a refuge - Thorin and his companions stopped off there (twice), Gimli and Gloin sought advice there, so I think dwarves were frequent visitors. It makes sense for Elladan and Elrohir to know their language.
I keep telling myself I can't let E3 know about the Balrog; so they've read all the clues and come up with a logical, but quite wrong, answer. They're not the sort to give up and go away empty-handed with no solution at all.
Estel is growing on me as I write. He's growing up fast - he was full of confidence at being able to stay awake the whole time, but found he couldn't - and he realised that, and woke Elladan to take over. It was far more sensible than trying to keep going, and failing.
Lianna
· 4 September 2006
· Chapter 7: Unexpected Company
Great! I was hoping some dwarves would show up. You haven't written much about dwarves. I have been wondering how you would portray them.
I love the way you weave bits of previous stories into your new ones, but here, the glimpses of the past remind me that Elladan and Elrohir share so much history that Estel can never really know. There's a certain sadness in that.
I see that two of your stories -- High Flight and With Friends Like These -- made the Mithril Awards finals. Congratulations!
Author's reply
Well, this is Moria, and Balin's been thinking about setting up a new colony there - so I've stayed with canon and sent his nephew to investigate. He's a fairly elf-friendly dwarf fortunately.
You're right about Elladan and Elrohir's shared history. After three thousand years together, there's nothing they don't know about each other. Estel, even though they call him 'brother', can never be part of that - but he loves hearing the tales.
I see that two of your stories -- High Flight and With Friends Like These -- made the Mithril Awards finals. They did? That's great! I haven't been contacted yet. :>)
daw the minstrel
· 3 September 2006
· Chapter 7: Unexpected Company
Lots of little moments here, Jay, as the viewpoint changes and the company arrives. I like the way Estel decides to do the sensible thing and wake Elladan. And the link to Dwalin is cool.
I'm interested in the notion that Smaug was the last of the dragons. Someone else told me that too and cited the Encyclopedia of Arda as their source. Do you know of a place in Tolkien where that's stated? Because I couldn't find it.
Author's reply
I was going to let Estel keep watch all night, but decided that it would prove his maturity and responsibility more if he admitted he was too tired, and woke Elladan. It also hatched that interesting plot bunny about Elladan's first patrol!
I don't know if Smaug was the last dragon actually - I just assumed he was. Both elves and dwarves find it plausible that there's another one lurking in Moria, so perhaps there are more.
E3 have looked at all the facts, weighed up the evidence, listened to other opinions, and have drawn quite the wrong conclusion! I didn't think they'd be satisfied unless they had an answer, though.
Jay