I’m glad Elladan only now got to think about all that. On the way fearing to never find his twin would have been truly horrible. Now, with Elrohir injured, but save it is not as bad as it could have been, though it must be rather haunting to think what could have been.
Elladan is surely glad his brother woke up and was lucid enough to talk a little bit; it has to be reassuring for both of them. Poor Elrohir, I know how it is to have a bad headache. Hope the herbs help soon.
But how can you let us dangling from the cliff again? I truly do want to believe it is only Glorfindel with the Imladris Guard, but knowing you, I don’t trust you not to send wargs, orcs or wolves instead!
Oh, and thank you for changing the part about Morel in the earlier chapter! That’s much better!
Author's reply
The way I see the twins, they draw a lot of strength and comfort from the other. It will help Elrohir just to have Elladan nearby, and Elladan can relax now that he knows Elrohir will recover. He knows how easily Elrohir could have died :(
Thanks for the reminder about Morel. I knew Elladan had tended to him, but just didn't *say* so. And watch Morel's reaction to the cliff hanger!
BlueEyedElf
· 9 March 2007
· Chapter 4: Rest In Peace
It's good to see Elrohir more coherent. I know Elladan sure is glad. I love the story about Elladan trying to will Elrohir the answer to Erestor's question. That was cute.
I sure hope that's Glorfindel outside the cave. I will be looking forward to the next chapter.
Author's reply
Glorfindel? Wait and see. And look at Morel's reaction :)
Elrohir is gaining strength now, especially with Elladan nearby. I'm glad you liked the part about Ellladan trying to give his twin the answers! Elrohir is usually more attentive in lessons.
Agape4Gondor
· 9 March 2007
· Chapter 4: Rest In Peace
I hate it when you have a moment, once terror has been ended, and you sit back and see the 'could have beens' - *shudders*
Both brothers need the comfort of each other for a little while - couldn't you have given them one more moment - for pity's sake!!!!
Now - to ponder what's next???
Author's reply
Poor Elladan. He knows Elrohir is safe now, but he's no fool, and can see clearly what *could* have happened. Yes, they need each other, and the night when Elladan slept with Elrohir in his arms will have strenghened them both.
Wait and see what comes next!
pipinheart
· 9 March 2007
· Chapter 4: Rest In Peace
Oh, My! That's a good way to end this chapter, has me wondering who could possible be on the outside of the cave.
Elrohir woke, but he sure isn't well, and Elladan is tending to him, and they are out there alone.
Please update soon...Great job!
Author's reply
Well, Elohir's awake, which has to be a good sign. Elladan is with him, which is even better.
As for what is outside - wait and see!
MithLuin
· 8 March 2007
· Chapter 4: Rest In Peace
Oh, you are cruel! Not to let us know what is out there....
I hope it is merely Glorfindel, but I'm not sure I trust you ;). Good to see Elrohir awake and alert, though Elladan was pestering him, wasn't he?
Thanks for the update, and looking forward to more!
Author's reply
Glorfindel? It might be :>) You'll have to wait and see.
Elrohir is feeling a lot better, and it helps him to know that Elladan is there, depite his pestering. More soon!
Elflingimp
· 8 March 2007
· Chapter 4: Rest In Peace
Well isnt that nice! Just leave us all hanging, I could almost feel Elrohirs headache you described it so well,I dont know what else to say ,my mind is fryed today! LOL
Author's reply
Poor Elrohir - he's not feeling too good, but he knows that Elladan is near, and that helps him more than anything else can. As for the cliffhanger - just watch Morel's reaction :)
daw the minstrel
· 8 March 2007
· Chapter 4: Rest In Peace
Well that was nasty ending! Before that, I was mostly shuddering over the blizzard and the cold. It was too much like what's been outside for the last couple of weeks. But I could also feel the peace that each brother felt in the other's presence. Which I suppose is why the ending seemed particularly nasty!
Author's reply
You know me and cliffhangers! But as a hint to what's happening, look at Morel's reaction ;)
I'm glad you could feel the blizzard and cold. It was quite hard to write like that, as spring has sprung here, and the weather is warm and mild (mostly).
The way I see the twins, they draw a lot of strength and comfort from the other. It will help Elrohir just to have Elladan nearby, and Elladan can relax now that he knows Elrohir will recover.
Peredhil lover
· 1 March 2007
· Chapter 3: Rescue Against The Odds
I apologize for my tardiness in reviewing, but I have had little time these last weeks to do any writing or reading of fan fiction and I have only now had the time to catch up on these last two chapters, which I enjoyed very much.
You've done an excellent job of drawing the reader into the story with your rich description and I felt like I was right there with Elladan and Elrohir. I particularly enjoyed reading the parts after the twins were reunited and Elladan's care of his brother. As you probably know by now, I love reading and writing about the interactions and the relationship between the twins and I like how you portray their special bond.
I'm really looking forward to see what you have in store for the next chapter.
peredhil lover
Author's reply
Don't worry about being late in reviewing - *any* review is very welcome, however late!
I'm glad you're enjoying the story, especially the descriptions, and the relationship between Elladan and Elrohir. Like you, I see them as very close, and I like exploring the bond between the twins.
The next chapter is up now, and the one after that is half written!
Haleth
· 20 February 2007
· Chapter 3: Rescue Against The Odds
It seems Elrohir is safe, at least for now, but I do wonder about how safe the cave is. I hope you post more soon.
Author's reply
The next chapter is very nearly finished! Elrohir is safe, and will soon be well again.
Bodkin
· 8 February 2007
· Chapter 3: Rescue Against The Odds
I'm glad Elladan didn't rush completely headlong into danger - and that he let Morel have a breather. But, when it came to rescue, what else could he do? And it worked - he has Elrohir relatively safe and sheltered, even if he's not, as he imagined, back home.
With the fire and the body warmth of the horse and the two elves - and the furs - they should be all right for a bit. Although the snow in the air could delay rescue.
I just hope there's an absence of orcs. And wargs. And wolves.
Author's reply
In Elladan's reaction I tried to show the contrast between his deep worry and fear for Elrohir, and the discipline of a highly-trained warrior and leader. He'd not going to rush headlong into an impulsive rescue - but sometimes, risks have to be taken.
Elrohir will be OK now - he's over the hypothermia, and Elladan is tending to his injuries. Once he wakes up properly, he'll realise where he is.
Orcs? Wargs? Wolves? Anyone would think I liked inflicting angst and torture on the twins and my readers!
Jay
Mirkwoodmaiden
· 4 February 2007
· Chapter 3: Rescue Against The Odds
Jay!
So glad to see that Elladan has finally found Elrohir! Again the story has a wonderful pace to it. I could feel Elladan's growing panic and his struggles to overcome his fear and concern to find his brother and finally formulate the plan to get him to shelter. I could feel the effort it took for Elladan to not crash through the mountain pass in a frenzied desire to help his brother. And when he did eventually get Elrohir to safety, of a sort, I could also feel the loving care with which he tended his brother. Your description of a healer's touch was also quite enjoyable! So glad to have this story to read! :-)
MM
Author's reply
The fact that Elladan (and Elrohir) are healers isn't my own invention. It's canon. After the battle of Pelennor Fields, Aragorn and the twins tend to the wounded together, but I love to use Tolkien's lesser-known asides like this.
I'm really glad that you could *feel* Elladan's panic and fear, and his concern for Elrohir. It was an aspect of the story I worked hard on. I'm glad it worked! Thanks for reviewing.
Nilmandra
· 4 February 2007
· Chapter 3: Rescue Against The Odds
Poor Elrohir - another broken leg and trapped in a goblin and troll infested cave, waiting for help to arrive. I liked how Elladan used his horse to help him rescue his twin from that gorge. Elrohir's poor horse though... its sad to think of the vultures feasting on him.
Author's reply
Our elves do seem to break their legs frequently, don't they? It's a useful, incapacitating injury, without being life threatening in itself.
I'll let you know what happens to poor Mornaur before the end. It won't be vultures though.
perelleth
· 4 February 2007
· Chapter 3: Rescue Against The Odds
Ouch, poor Elrohir when he realizes that he is not *exactly* in Imladris! This was very tricksy, falsely comforting ending ! :-)
I really like how you managed to build up the fear and cold and hopelessness along the chapters. Darkness and the awful weather add much to the tension! Good job!
Author's reply
Elrohir's waking moments at the end were rather hazy. He knew he was somewhere safe, and that Elladan was with him - and that was all that mattered. Things will be a little clearer when he next wakes.
I'm glad you liked the tension and atmosphere in this story. I've been trying hard to make you *feel* Elrohir's helplessness, and Elladan's desperation. I'm glad it worked!
pipinheart
· 4 February 2007
· Chapter 3: Rescue Against The Odds
Very nice...Loved it!
Elladan found his twin, and Morel was very good at assisting him as well. Its good that he feels safe because Elladan is there to tend him.
Please update soon....
Author's reply
I'm glad you enjoyed this. The twins are together again, and that has got to help Elrohir to heal.
Kitty
· 4 February 2007
· Chapter 3: Rescue Against The Odds
Ah, I am so glad Elladan reached his twin in time and was able to get him in the cave and do everything possible for his injuries. I can imagine his shock when he saw the back injuries ... poor guy. Elven healing abilities are a great thing, no doubt. No need of x-rays and the like.
Elladan acted rather decent, considering the circumstances, to find the less dangerous way to get to Elrohir and to get him back up to the path and into the cave. Glorfindel should be proud of him. By the way, I hope Glorfindel arrives soon, before you can find some orcs to send to the cave ;-)
For the moment I am simply glad Elrohir woke up shortly and thought he was in Imladris. He may be a bit disappointed to realise that's not the case yet, but the feeling of security may help him to heal. And his brother is with him, what I think is the most important just now.
But in one point I'm not entirely happy with the chapter: you didn't say much about Morel after they reached the cave. Elladan could have had at least a pat and a 'Thank you' for him after dragging the twins back to the path. And though it was more urgent to look after Elrohir and I know Elladan was terribly tired and exhausted - even if he didn't give him a bit of a rub down, he should at least have removed the saddle. The cinch isn't that comfortable for Morel, and even less so the saddle if he wants to lie down - not to mention the saddle could get damaged. Sorry, but after thirty years with horses I can't avoid to think about them even in fanfiction!
Author's reply
Thanks for the comments about Morel. I'd taken it for granted that Elladan had tended to him, but should have made it clear. I've added a paragraph about it now!
I was rather proud of Elladan here. He thought and planned and used his training as a healer and a leader of warriors rather than just acting on blind instinct. Glorfindel and Elrond will be proud of him.
For Elrohir, the important thing now is that he knows he's safe - wherever he is - and particularly that Elladan is with him. The twins draw a lot of comfort from each other.
Ithildin
· 3 February 2007
· Chapter 3: Rescue Against The Odds
I'm glad Elladan was able to rescue his twin without becoming another victim in the process. *shiver* I'm also glad Elladan has that wonderful elven gift of healing, and that poor Elrohir remained unconscious while his injuries were tended. Sounds like they can rest a while now, fairly safe and relatively warm for the moment. I'm concerned about those wolves though; hope Glorfindel returns soon! *casts a wary eye at Jay who looks way too innocent*
Write more soon!
Ithildin
(goes off looking for a warm blanket...)
Author's reply
I don't think all elves had healing powers, but the twins are the sons of Elrond. They inherited and learned some of his skills - and we know they were healers, because after the battle of Pelennor Fields, Aragorn sent for them to help heal the wounded. It was for the best though, that Elrohir remained unconscious. Elladan wouldn't have wanted to add to his pain.
I know what you mean about the warm blanket. I had to keep turning the heating up while I wrote this!
Glorfindel is on his way - eventually - and the wolves may reappear at some stage ...
BlueEyedElf
· 3 February 2007
· Chapter 3: Rescue Against The Odds
Yay! Elrohir is saved!
Wow, that was intense, Jay. I would say that Morel deserves some extra oats in his feed trough when they get back to Rivendell.
Hopefully Glorfindel and the rescue party are not far behind Elladan, and Morel will alert them to their location.
Loved the twin interaction in this chapter. Elladan's gentle treatment of his twin's injuries was very sweet without going over the top. You do a really good job of portraying their brotherly relationship in your stories.
I'm so glad that Elrohir's back is only badly bruised. I think Elladan had a moment of panic there when he saw the bruises.
Loved the closing scene as Elrohir realized Elladan was with him and fell back to sleep. He is going to be unpleasantly surprised when he finds out he is not in Rivendell yet.
Great chapter as usual. I will be looking forward to the next one.
Author's reply
I've added a paragraph to show Elladan thanking Morel and settling him!
Glorfindel is on his way, but isn't there yet - there's bad weather brewing.
Writing the relationship and interaction between the twins is the part of my stories I like best. They're very close, and after spending all their lives together they know and understand each other extremely well.
Elrohir's waking moments at the end were very hazy. He knew he was no longer on the mountainside, and that Elladan was with him - and after that, just guessed. Things will be clearer when he next wakes.
French Pony
· 3 February 2007
· Chapter 3: Rescue Against The Odds
Elrohir is a very very very lucky Elf. Elladan's rescue of him was a foolish, touch-and-go thing, but fortunately, it worked out well for everyone. It must be nice to be an Elf treating another Elf. What your blankets and herbs don't touch, you can magic away. In fact, if one has to be sick or injured, it would be nice to have an Elf around anyway, even if you aren't in a cave on a mountain.
Author's reply
There was a lot of daring and risk in Elladan's rescue, but he asks what else he could do? He couldn't climb that cliff unaided, and had to get Elrohir to shelter.
I don't think all elves had healing powers, but the twins are the sons of Elrond. They inherited and learned some of his skills - and we know they were healers, because after the battle of Pelennor Fields, Aragorn sent for them to help heal the wounded.
lwarren
· 3 February 2007
· Chapter 3: Rescue Against The Odds
Why, Jay, what would EVER make us think you enjoy torturing the twins??? LOL Seriously, this little story has kept me on the edge of my chair ever since Elrohir went over that cliff. I am so glad Elladan heeded that surprising communication from his brother and went on ahead to find him. Now they are all snug and cozy in that cave and, assurances from the author aside, I'm having a hard time relaxing and thinking the danger is past and all they have to do now is wait for Glorindel and the others to show up. *sighs and bites fingernails* Hey Glorfindel! Hurry up...you know how quickly this author can change things! *gulps and eyes the surrounding mountains*
Wonderful, Jay, really wonderful!
Linda :-)
Author's reply
I don't torture them - I just like a little angst and hurt/comfort. You've had the angst and hurt, now comes the comfort!
Poor Elladan could hardly believe what he heard, but he *knew* it was Elrohir. It was just as well they could communicate in that way, or Elladan would never have found him. Now they just have to wait for Glorfindel to arrive ...
Selene Aduial
· 3 February 2007
· Chapter 3: Rescue Against The Odds
I'm so glad Elladan has been able to get Elrohir into the cave and look at his wounds. But a cave in the Misty Mountains may not the safest place to be when you're wounded and/or tired I'm afraid. Glorfindel had better get there fast, because something tells me they are unfortunatly not completely safe yet.
Don't let us wait to long for the rest of this Jay.
Author's reply
*Sigh* People seem to think I enjoy torturing the twins ...
Elladan isn't going to risk his brother's safety by not checking the cave carefully. Don't worry, there are no trolls or orcs lurking in the shadows (though I wish I *had* thought of that ...)
Ces
· 3 February 2007
· Chapter 3: Rescue Against The Odds
Morel is a hero! Tired as he was, he found that extra to help Elladan aid Elrohir!
Elrohir is awake, which should be a good sign. Let's hope help arrives soon and before those wolves start tracking our twins!
Author's reply
Poor Morel. He gave everything he could, but is now a very tired horse. Fortunately it will be a few days before Elrohir can move far, so Morel will have that time to rest. And don't forget, Glorfindel is also on his way!
Agape4Gondor
· 3 February 2007
· Chapter 3: Rescue Against The Odds
I am almost sorry I started this - since it is a WIP - but I'll hold on and try to be patient till you continue.
Excellent tale!
Author's reply
I usually try to finish WIPs fairly quickly (though I have got a little stuck on 'Beyond The Dimrill Gate'). The next chapter of this is partly done, and it won't be much longer before the story is finished.
You know, the cliffhangers I write just don't work if you read the whole story in one go!!
Jay
daw the minstrel
· 3 February 2007
· Chapter 3: Rescue Against The Odds
Given how cold it is here today, I was very relieved when Elladan got Elrohir into the cave, started the fire, and dug out the furs. However, I'm not entirely sanguine about this cave. Caves in the Misty Mountains are notoriously treacherous places. You surely don't have more nasty stuff planned, do you, Jay?
Author's reply
Nasty stuff?? Me?? *Looks innocent*
Do you really think Elladan wouldn't have checked the cave out carefully? He wouldn't risk his brother like that. Don't worry - this cave, this time, is quite secure.
The weather's very mild here now, but it still made me shiver to write this. I don't like the cold!
Agape4Gondor
· 3 February 2007
· Chapter 1: A Call In The Night
Incredible start - tension is great. Both El's are great.
One little question - you have El going to Thranduil on Elrond's behest. So you believe that the two kingdoms were in communication with each other? That there was, perhaps, friendship there?
Just wondering.
Going to chapter two now!
Author's reply
I'm sure there would have been communication between the Elven realms - messages and news passing between them. In other stories, I have the twins and Legolas being friends in their youth, though as times grow darker there is less time for frivolities like that. I don't see them being enemies - or why would Legolas have reported Gollum's escape to Elrond?
Jay
Mirkwoodmaiden
· 3 February 2007
· Chapter 2: A Race Against Time
Jay!
I am truly enjoying this story. The way you draw and shape the relationship between Elladan and Elrohir is wonderful to read. I like the idea neither was aware of the strength of their bond until this most dire need.
MM
Author's reply
Thank you - I'm glad you're enjoying this! The bond between Elladan and Elrohir is what I like most about them, and what I like to write. It seemed that they would only discover a greater depth to that bond in a very desperate situation.
Jay