Night On A Bare Mountain by Jay of Lasgalen
pipinheart · 31 January 2007 · Chapter 2: A Race Against Time
Love it! Poor Elrohir he needs his twin, I hope elladan finds him soon. Glorfindel, may think Elladans addled in the head but at least he went back for help. Update soon...
Author's reply
Poor Glorfindel thinks Elladan has lost his mind - but he still trusts the twins' instincts about each other.
pipinheart · 30 January 2007 · Chapter 1: A Call In The Night
Very, nice... Elrohir is injured and alone, I hpe elladan can find him, he's not in a very good spot. And I wonder just if, they can read minds... Please continue.
Author's reply
Despite the angst, I usually have a happy ending. Yes, Elladan will find him - and there's a new chapter up today!
Kitty · 28 January 2007 · Chapter 2: A Race Against Time
That was the perfect occasion for the twins to be able to mindspeak at least to a certain extent. It seems they had to try and to concentrate more than they did before, and in his desperate situation Elrohir has managed it. I am *so* glad that Elladan heard and understood it! You left me rather worried for Elrohir. Of course I knew he was badly injured, but what he did in the end ... I’m not sure what to think about it. It may help him to survive until Elladan reaches him, but I truly hope you’re not sending wolves, wargs or orcs after him! I truly hope Elladan is there very soon and that Glorfindel arrives with more help in time.
Author's reply
Yes - it's only because Elrohir is in such a state that the telepathy worked. His desperate need triggered it. Now he's decided his only hope is to conserve his strength until Elladan can reach him - remember, he's not even sure Elladan is on the way, so he doesn't know how long he's got to wait. Poor Elrohir.
BlueEyedElf · 28 January 2007 · Chapter 2: A Race Against Time
Wow! The twins are telepathic. That's just cool. That must have been a shock for poor Elladan. I just hope he reaches Elrohir safely. Poor Glorfindel. This is going to be a one of a kind experience. I can just hear his conversation with Elrond and Celebrian when they return. "My friends, you have weird kids." I wonder if Elladan can only recieve and Elrohir can only send or if Elrohir is simply too weak to hear Elladan properly. Can't wait to see how this telepathy thing works out. Elrohir is taking a big risk. Hopefully is telepathic homing beacon will lead Elladan right to him. The fact that he has gone numb does not sound good. I hope his back injury is not too serious. Great chapter, as usual. Can't wait to see how this one works out.
Author's reply
It was a shock for Elladan - it's something that's never happened before - and he wonders just how desperate Elrohir must have been for it to work. Poor Glorfindel still isn't sure if he did the right thing in leaving Elladan to go on alone, either. I'll try to explain the telepathy later - if I can!
Selene Aduial · 27 January 2007 · Chapter 2: A Race Against Time
It's so good to see Glorfindel going back to Imladris for more help. Even if he's starting to think that Elladan is loosing his mind in hearing his brother. Poor Morel, having a frantic elf driving you on like that, but I think the urgency is felt. And they do need to hurry, Elrohir is frrezing to dead. Literally! I think it's a shame he does not hear Elladan's voice inside too, it would give him comfort to know his brother is coming. But then again I think you like to torment them every now and then. Just don't keep the rest of the story from us to long.
Author's reply
Poor Glorfindel - he didn't have much choice. He can't quite believe Elladan can really hear Elrohir, but he can't risk ignoring Elladan's instincts. 'But then again I think you like to torment them every now and then.' *Looks innocent* Who, me??
Bodkin · 27 January 2007 · Chapter 2: A Race Against Time
Glorfindel seems very good at knowing the difference between panic and deeper knowledge. (Well, he would, really!) Such a good thing that he accepted Elladan's insight and agreed to go off to get a rescue party. And a good thing that he pushed Elladan enough to stop him rushing headlong without any thought for safety. But the sooner he gets to Elrohir the better! Elrohir isn't up to attempting any more mental communication - so I hope Elladan can sense his presence even when he's unconscious. Poor Elrohir won't last more than a few hours if he doesn't get some help! Get Elladan there quickly!
Author's reply
Glorfindel knows the twins very well, even if he still doesn't understand their bond. He trusts Elladan's instinct where Elrohir is concerned, and also knows him well enough to realise that saying 'be careful' isn't going to work. 'Be careful or you won't reach Elrohir' is far more effective! Elladan will get there, I promise. Eventually.
French Pony · 26 January 2007 · Chapter 2: A Race Against Time
Elladan named his horse after a mushroom? It's good that he thought to bring Glorfindel along with him, but there really ought to have been more people. The denizens of Imladris do like to go with the absolute bare minimum of necessary personnel, don't they? Elrohir is not doing well at all. Elladan had better hurry.
Author's reply
'Elladan named his horse after a mushroom?' *snort* I didn't think of that! 'Morel' is supposed to mean 'dark star', but mushroom will do! Yes, they should travel in larger groups - but there's so much more potential for accidents and angst this way! Elladan will get there evenually, never fear.
Ces · 26 January 2007 · Chapter 2: A Race Against Time
What a cliffhanger! I love all your stories Jay, and this one is no exception. Elladan and Elrohir have such a close relationship and in times of need, such as this, that link is all that more important. Let's hope Elladan reaches his brother on time and Glorfindel finds them quickly with the needed supplies.
Author's reply
If Elrohir wasn't a twin, or didn't have that bond with Elladan, he'd be in far greater trouble than he already is. As it is, although he knows that Elladan can tell something's wrong, he doesn't know if he's coming, or if his call for help has been heard. Elladan will get there. Eventually.
daw the minstrel · 26 January 2007 · Chapter 2: A Race Against Time
OK, I'm shivering just reading this. How shocking for the two of them to "hear" at a distance like that. New discoveries all the time, I guess.
Author's reply
You're shivering? Good! The description of the cold must be effective - I had to go and turn the heating up as I wrote. Elladan was more than a little startled to hear Elrohir - but he trusts his instincts, and their bond. He realises that Elrohir must have been quite desperate to be able to reach him - and that's got him even more worried.
Elflingimp · 26 January 2007 · Chapter 2: A Race Against Time
Ugh! I can't stand it! The poor elf he's freezing! It makes me cold for goodness sake,I only hope Elleden can get there on time!
Author's reply
*Grin* I had to turn the heating up when I wrote this! I'm glad the freezing conditions are getting to you, but I don't eny poor Elrohir.
Vicki Turner · 26 January 2007 · Chapter 2: A Race Against Time
Ah! This was a very good chapter. I love that Elladan and Elrohir can telecommunicate. I'm very anxious for the next chapter. Post soon, please!
Author's reply
I've always written the twins as being able to sense each other's feelings and moods, but not able to mindspeak - but Elrohir's desperation has forced it this time. I think he's quite anxious for the next chapter too. He's wondering how much longer I'm going to keep him there :>)
Nilmandra · 14 January 2007 · Chapter 1: A Call In The Night
I felt really bad about the horse - I do for Elrohir too, but having to curl up next to an animal you loved had to be just awful. To know the horse died had to be awful! But Elladan will come soon, thank goodness, though I imagine Elrohir will not be travelling alone for a while.
Author's reply
I was really sorry about Mornaur, but he had to go :( I wanted to concentrate on Elrohir's isolation and hopelessness, so he had to be alone. It was good that he could recall the survival training though - Glorfindel is helping him even now.
Selene Aduial · 14 January 2007 · Chapter 1: A Call In The Night
A great way to start of a story. I always love your twins. You had me concentrating along with Elrohir trying to reach his brother. It's a good thing Glorfindel gave them survival training, and that Elrohir was able to recall all he did. He's quite stong being able to do what he did, having a broken leg and all. It was a good thing for Elladan to have Glorfindel there or he would have panicked felling what he felt. Now they will be preparde for whatever happens. And of course Glorfindel would not let Elladan ride out alone. I hope you have the next chapter finished already because I for one can't wait for the next one ;)
Author's reply
Even though Elrohir knows he may well not make it this time, he's not going to give up. He'll do everything he can, and he can still hope that Elladan will somehow find him. It was good for Elladan that Glorfindel believed him immediately, and is going with him. The next chapter is mostly written, so shouldn't be too long.
Dot · 14 January 2007 · Chapter 1: A Call In The Night
What an incredible job you did in describing the weather! With all the rain and high winds we’ve been having here lately it was all rather uncomfortably familiar :-) But you really pull the reader right into the story - to Elrohir’s disappointment and annoyance at a trip that didn’t go as he hoped as well as his struggle against the relentless weather and his desire to get home. I particularly like the way your first sentence sets the scene and lets us know that this has been going on for a while and we’re joining him on his journey just as it all gets worse. I had tears in my eyes as Elrohir’s thoughts after he fell went first to Elladan. And I really felt for him as he sat there all alone, trying to remember what he was taught and doing his best to get himself out of the situation. His sorrow for the loss of the horse was almost unbearable. This line was beautiful: “Goodbye, my friend,” he whispered sadly, remembering the wobbly-legged foal he had delivered himself, the eager young colt he had trained and schooled, and the warm, comforting breath that had accompanied him along the treacherous path. What loneliness Elrohir must have felt at that moment. His strength comes through too, though, as he determinedly tries to get through this and focuses on the practicalities as much as he can in his desperately injured state. I was glad Elladan had Glorfindel there – someone to reassure him and calm him, and more importantly to believe him and support him. Thank heavens they’ve decided to go! This is off to a great start. I’m really looking forward to more, especially to seeing you explore the bond between the twins :-)
Author's reply
I'd written the description of the weather before the recent gales, but they did seem appropriate! I was grateful for a nice coal fire at home as I wrote this. I've always written Elrohir as being particularly fond of horses, so Mornaur's death would hit him hard. He's got to cope with grief and loneliness as well as his injuries - and he knows there's a very real chance he won't get out of this at all. The only comfort he has is that he knows Elladan knows something is wrong. Yes, thank goodness for Glorfindel, and his instant acceptance that Elladan knows! Thanks for the review - I particularly like it when people pick out what parts really worked for them.
BlueEyedElf · 14 January 2007 · Chapter 1: A Call In The Night
Yikes! Sounds like Elrohir is really in a fix this time. I liked the way that he tried to calm himself by replaying Glorfindel's lessons in his mind. Also, Elrohir's injuries don't sound good. The more blood he loses, the more the cold will affect him. I hope that his back injury isn't too serious because he can still feel the pain from his leg. If he couldn't feel his legs, there would definitely be a problem. It's good that Elladan immediately knew that something was wrong. Maybe Elrohir can use the emotions he is feeling to give Elladan a more specific picture. "I'm not panicking - I'm worried!" That was just classic. LOL. I guess Arwen and Erestor will be left in charge of Imladris for the time being. Poor them. I'll be looking forward to the next chapter. This promises to be fun.
Author's reply
Yes, poor Elrohir is in dire need here. He's not going to give in though, and he's too determined to lay down and die. It's some comfort to him as well that Elladan at least knows something is wrong. And Elladan insists he wasn't panicking! I'm not sure that 'fun' is the best description for Elrohir's situation :>)
Bodkin · 14 January 2007 · Chapter 1: A Call In The Night
Get out there toute de suite, Elladan! Go, Glorfindel - your 'elfling' needs help NOW!! I suppose - in a way - Elrohir is lucky that he and Elladan share any kind of awareness of each other. Otherwise he would be sitting on that frozen mountainside with his unfortunate dead horse and nobody would have any idea he was in trouble. His journey at the beginning - was so uncomfortable it made me want to huddle up in a nice warm quilt just to remind myself I wasn't cold and wet and leading a horse along a slippery path with a drop I'd rather not think about to one side. Very powerful! I hope you've got chapter 2 well on the way - you can't leave Elrohir there for too long. Even a half-elf can die of exposure, you know!
Author's reply
Elladan is going to have to move faster than he ever has before - this won't be a nice, slow, leisurely journey. At least he knows he's needed, and he's fortunate that Glorfindel understands and is going with him as well. I'm glad that the description of the weather and Elrohir's journey worked so well. I must admit it made me shiver as I wrote! The next part is mostly done (as is the whole story), but you'll have to wait a little longer!
paranoidangel · 14 January 2007 · Chapter 1: A Call In The Night
You do like to torture the poor twins. But since I still enjoy reading it, I really shouldn't complain :)
Author's reply
I suppose they deserve a break sometimes. I need to write a nice, fluffy story in compensation!
Peredhil lover · 13 January 2007 · Chapter 1: A Call In The Night
A great beginning! Of course, I always love a well-written twin story. And if it has Glorfindel too, all the better. There is so much wonderful potential for Elladan and Elrohir angst here. It's only the first chapter and already you have Elrohir in a desperate position. I love the strength of character he shows against almost over-whelming odds, and I'm very much looking forward to the next chapter. peredhil lover
Author's reply
You like the twins as well? I'd never have guessed! (I think I owe you a review, too. Loved the end of Day And Night.) Elrohir is realistic enough to know that there's not much chance of him getting out of this, but far too determined to just give up. I like to show both twins as strong characters - they're capable adults here, not the trick-playing idiots I've sometimes read about!
Kitty · 13 January 2007 · Chapter 1: A Call In The Night
Ah, ever since your question about the speed of horses on LJ I had wondered what you have in mind. Now I know :-) Poor Elrohir, and poor Mornaur! That was a nasty fall, and I doubt Elrohir is truly able to even get a bit away from there on foot with a broken leg. Even elves don't heal *that* fast, and he is in no state to heal himself. But even if he is not able to mindspeak with his twin, the connection between them is very strong if it even woke Elladan in the middle of the night. I am so glad he decided to leave Imladris in search of his brother even if it could be that Elrohir was still in Lasgalen and in the experienced hands of Calmacil. Can't wait for more!
Author's reply
Yes, that question was research for this story! Now you see why Elladan needs to move quickly ... :) Poor Mornaur - I felt bad killing him, but Elrohir's complete isolation and helplessness is part of this story. It wouldn't have worked if Mornaur had been with him :( I've always written the twins as knowing each other's feelings and emotions, so Elladan would know something was wrong - but nothing more. You'll have to wait to find out more!
Mirkwoodmaiden · 12 January 2007 · Chapter 1: A Call In The Night
Jay! A wonderful beginning to the story! I just love stories about Elladan and Elrohir and the bond they share. They've inhabited a few of the stories that I have written. I am really looking forward to the rest of this story. I like the way you are sketching the twins' relationship! Wonderful! MM
Author's reply
Most of my stories now are about Elladan and Elrohir - there's something about the fact they are twins (which seems rare in elves) which interests me. Because they are mostly elven I can give them a much stronger bond than would exist between RL twins. Thanks for the review - and I'm glad you like this!
French Pony · 12 January 2007 · Chapter 1: A Call In The Night
Glorfindel is one very smart Elf. One hopes that this will convince the planners at Imladris to send messengers in pairs from now on.
Author's reply
It would seem like a good idea to travel in pairs, wouldn't it? But Elrohir didn't want anyone else tagging along when he saw Taniquel (an OFC he rather likes) - and, of course, if he'd had a companion he wouldn't be in such a fix now. I've realised I really like Glorfindel here!
Nikara · 12 January 2007 · Chapter 1: A Call In The Night
Ohh!! Very exciting. I love stories about the twins and their bond. This is great!
Author's reply
Thank you - I like to write about the twins, and the bond they have is one of the most interesting things to explore. I'm glad you like this!
Elflingimp · 12 January 2007 · Chapter 1: A Call In The Night
Ah! interesting beginning,I felt very sorry for Elrohir losing his horse and being injured helpless in fact I wanted to go and help him and the way you described the weather made me go put on a sweater, but may I ask where is Elrond? and I always love Glorfindle in any story. I will be eagerly waiting for more.
Author's reply
I'm glad my description of the weather was so effective! In this story Elrond and Celebrían are on a visit to Mithlond (the Grey Havens), leaving Elladan and Elrohir in charge of Imladris. The story is set somewhere around TA 2000, so the twins are fully adult and capable of running things. I love Glorfindel - I think he'd be a very useful elf to have around in a crisis!
Idril Celebrindal · 12 January 2007 · Chapter 1: A Call In The Night
OK Jay, if your intent was to have us in Elrohir's place you did it, we are there! I found myself concentrating with him to reach Elladan. I know that survival is important and I agree totally with Daw's review.
Author's reply
Thank you, Idril! I'm so glad you felt Elrohir's need here. When it comes to basic survival in such extreme conditions, he would do whatever was necessary.
daw the minstrel · 12 January 2007 · Chapter 1: A Call In The Night
I know this is probably sentimental but I felt bad for the horse. And of course, so did Elrohir. I liked his determination to use every bit of survival training he could call to mind. Let's hope Elladan takes the right path.
Author's reply
Thanks, Daw - but you're supposed to feel Elrohir's sorrow for the horse. Poor Mornaur. I needed Elrohir to be totally alone and helpless. He's not going to give up, though! I think it's a safe bet that Elladan will find him eventually.