Letters by Jay of Lasgalen
Agape4Gondor · 24 March 2008 · Chapter 5: Greetings, Ori son of Gorin! (prompt: 'Elements')
What a delightful little letter. It seems plausible, with the comings and goings of the Dwarves, that one or two would be befriended by our beloved Elrohir. Nice job.
Author's reply
Ori learned the Elvish script somewhere, most probably in Imladris. So why not from Elrohir?
Agape4Gondor · 24 March 2008 · Chapter 4: Dear Elladan (prompt: 'Hate')
but they’re just Nana and Ada. I told her it’s not the same. ROTFL - the wisdom of a child. As for the rest, I found it quite bitter-sweet. I am surprised Elrond was not more supportive... I know why he sent Elrohir off, but a little more 'support' from his dad might have helped.
Author's reply
Elrond probably was more sympathetic and supporting - Elrohir's just feeling hard done by, and imagines he's the only one in the world who has someone he misses!
Agape4Gondor · 24 March 2008 · Chapter 3: My Dearest Brother, (prompt: 'Love')
It is my sincerest hope that Elladan is NOT reading this. That we are just being shone it as it is written - to be stored away - just in case.
Author's reply
No, thankfully Elladan will never have to read it. It's one of those 'To be opened in the event of my death' letters. The Elladan on my flist read it though, and said it would give him nightmares :(
Elena Tiriel · 24 March 2008 · Chapter 6: My Dearest Mother (prompt: 'Time')
Another thought: one of the things that is most eloquent about these letters is what is not said... it's unusual to actually see the missing text in this one! Well done, Jay! - Barbara
Author's reply
Thanks - I wanted to show the contrast between the pain he feels, and what he felt able to tell Celebrían. He wouldn't want to burden her further with the weight of their grief. The strikethrough font was very useful here. Jay
Elena Tiriel · 24 March 2008 · Chapter 6: My Dearest Mother (prompt: 'Time')
Oh, how heart-rending, Jay! *sniffles* - Barbara
Author's reply
Poor Elrohir. His pain is very raw here.
Kitty · 24 March 2008 · Chapter 6: My Dearest Mother (prompt: 'Time')
Poor Elrohir. The parts he crossed out tell their own tale - much more than what he left. But it is touching that he is writing to his mother, even if he can't sent the letter (save some elves who are sailing take it with them). Maybe it helps him a little. Belated Happy Easter!
Author's reply
Oh, he did send the letter - at least, the sanitised version. I think there would have been travellers and traders going to the Grey Havens who would take letters for Cirdan to pass on. I think it helped to write his true feelings down, even though that part was never sent. Happy Easter to you too!
Ellie · 23 March 2008 · Chapter 6: My Dearest Mother (prompt: 'Time')
very powerfully written. the crossed out lines are so much more telling and full of pain than what he ends up saying in the more euphemistic version. well done.
Author's reply
Elrohir is revealing his true feelings here, and I think it helps him to write them - even though they will never be sent. Celebrían doesn't need to know how damaged the family is :(
docmon · 23 March 2008 · Chapter 6: My Dearest Mother (prompt: 'Time')
You deftly portrayed the many emotions the family must have endured after the departure of Celebrian. You put the strikeout to good use!
Author's reply
:>) It's a useful font at times!! It must have been a terrible time for all of them - and it had a lasting effect, because the twins never did stop hunting orcs :(
6336 · 23 March 2008 · Chapter 6: My Dearest Mother (prompt: 'Time')
I expect, that being a mother and being Clebrian, she will read between the lines. A very sweet, poingant (sp) note. Lynda)
Author's reply
She might read what Elrohir has not said, but I think at this time she is still too lost and fragile to realise. Her healing would have taken a long time. Thank you, Lynda!
pipinheart · 18 February 2008 · Chapter 5: Greetings, Ori son of Gorin! (prompt: 'Elements')
Very nice... I like that Elrohir learned a different way to write, he would do it to irritate Elladan.And I liked the referance of them being spy's in the meeting in moria which is a reference of your other story. Nice job...
Author's reply
Thanks, pipinheart! Although Elrohir learned the dwarvish writing in exchange for teaching Ori elvish runes, the fact that it annoyed Elladan was an added bonus! I'm glad you remember the spies. I promise I'll get back to that story, but the muse has departed for the moment :(
Bodkin · 4 February 2008 · Chapter 5: Greetings, Ori son of Gorin! (prompt: 'Elements')
Good letters! I like the way Elrohir misses his brother - and the way his parents decided that they might benefit from being free to develop as individuals. But I think this is my favourite letter. Prefaces some sad stories - and partings. But I'm sure Elrohir will be able to impress Gimli with his knowledge of the Dwarven script. One day.
Author's reply
Thanks, Bodkin! Their parents probably think they know best as far as teaching the twins to be individuals is concerned - but I think E2 disagree. They'll do it, but only in their own time and way. I had fun with the idea of Elrohir learning Dwarvish runes from Ori, and especially annoying Elladan with them! Ori's brave new venture to Moria must have seemed so exciting and promising, and is so poignant with what we know. Hmm - Elrohir impressing Gimli with his knowledge. I like that idea!!
Lilandriel · 25 January 2008 · Chapter 5: Greetings, Ori son of Gorin! (prompt: 'Elements')
These are brilliant. i wish i had realised sooner that you had written more letters; i would have R&R'd sooner! wonderful letters, i especially loved and was touched by the last one; imagine Moria reopened in all it's glory. awesome. i find it highly amusing that Elladan couldn't read the letter, and was cursing over his brother's shoulder! thanks for the updates; i hope to see more! xx
Author's reply
Thanks for the review. I'm working on more letters, and other stories as well. Moria restored ... if only that had happened. It's sad to think what awaited the Dwarves. I love to write the twins, especially when they are teasing and annoying each other!
Larner · 24 January 2008 · Chapter 5: Greetings, Ori son of Gorin! (prompt: 'Elements')
To speak of his grandmother so! Witch of the Wood my eye! Really, Elrondion, you should be spanked soundly for that one. But the idea of this letter to Ori is so beautiful, particularly in light of the story we read so recently.
Author's reply
Oh, Elrohir isn't being rude about Galadriel! He's recalling a comment made by a Dwarf they met in Moria (in my story Beyond The Dimrill Gate (which is sadly short of updates, though I haven't forgotten it). I think Galadriel would hoot with laughter at the twins' predicament there.
Nieriel Raina · 24 January 2008 · Chapter 5: Greetings, Ori son of Gorin! (prompt: 'Elements')
Oh, love this continuation! *smiles* Very nice for Elrohir to have also learned a different style of writing. Poor Elladan. *snickers* Couple of picks though swearing abut it - I think you mean swearing ABOUT it Also, you use the Beware to Ori twice very close and it feels very repetitive. JMO. Still love this though. Nicely done!
Author's reply
'swearing abut it - I think you mean swearing ABOUT it' Whoops! You're right - spellcheck didn't pick that up. The repetition of 'beware' was deliberate, to reinforce the menace in Moria. Perhaps it didn't work ;/ Still, I'm glad you liked this. I loved teasing Elladan over the runes!
SeekHim · 24 January 2008 · Chapter 5: Greetings, Ori son of Gorin! (prompt: 'Elements')
I really liked this story! It had never once occured to me that one of Elrond'sons might have been friends with a dwarf. But then why not? It was Thranduil's Sindar/Silvan that had had trouble with the elves. The Noldor and the Dwarves had had friendly relations from the time of the 1st Age. I really enjoyed the friendly connection. And I can just picture Elladen fuming over not being able to read his brother's letter! I just wish the friendship between Ori and Elrohir could have ended more happily. It makes me sad just reading about Elrohir describing how Moria once was. As he describes it I can sense the hopes that the dwarven settlers had.
Author's reply
Well, Imladris was the last Homely House, and Elrond was clearly used to many strange visitors. I thought it would make sense for them to exchange knowledge and skills at times. As soon as I had the idea of Elrohir learning runes from Ori, I could see him tormenting Elladan about it! I wish the tale had a happier ending, though. Poor Ori.
Kitty · 24 January 2008 · Chapter 5: Greetings, Ori son of Gorin! (prompt: 'Elements')
This one leaves mixed feelings. On the one hand, I am pleased to know that not only Ori learned to write the elvis script, but in turn taught Elrohir dwarven runes, and that they still keep in contact. But on the other hand, we all know how this re-colonisation turned out in the end, and it is sad that this unusual friendship came to such an end. Elrohir was probably sad to learn from Legolas, Gimli and Aragorn about Ori's fate. Anyway, I can see Elladan fuming because he's not able to read Elrohir's letter *grin*. Serves him right, other people's letters are not his business!
Author's reply
When I thought more about it, I realised that it made sense for Ori to teach Elrohir the Dwarvish runes as well, and for them to exchange letters to practice their skills. And then, of course, Elrohir would use it to annoy Elladan! (But Elrohir's not 'other people', he's Elladan's twin. Of course it's his business.) It's sad though, to remember how the quest for Moria ended.
Tithenaru · 24 January 2008 · Chapter 5: Greetings, Ori son of Gorin! (prompt: 'Elements')
Hi, I have just become a member after months of 'lurking' (I don't want to admit how many). I can't think of a better way to celebrate coming out of the dark than to leave a review for one of my favorite authors. I love the way you write the twins and this one made me smile: poor Elladan!
Author's reply
Hello! Welcome to SoA - I'm glad you've been lured from lurkerdom. It's always great to hear from a new reviewer, especially one who likes the twins. Poor Elladan - even as mature, sensible adults, they just can't resist teasing each other. I'm sure Elladan will get his revenge one day!
ellie · 24 January 2008 · Chapter 5: Greetings, Ori son of Gorin! (prompt: 'Elements')
this is delightful! the sentiments expressed by elrohir are sweet and full of respect and the glee at being able to hide things from elladan is funny.
Author's reply
Thank you! When I had the idea of Elrohir learning the Angerthas in return, of course I could see him annoying Elladan with it! I can see him encouraging Ori's journey to Moria too - I just wish there had been a better outcome.
Ces · 24 January 2008 · Chapter 5: Greetings, Ori son of Gorin! (prompt: 'Elements')
Jay, As usual your drabbles are wonderful! I love taking a little break at work and being able to refresh myself with them. Any chance of a drabble between Elrohir and Taniquel? Ces
Author's reply
I'm glad you enjoyed this! Taniquel is on my list of charactes for a possible letter, so there may be one later. I want to write more of those two together.
Esteliel · 24 January 2008 · Chapter 5: Greetings, Ori son of Gorin! (prompt: 'Elements')
Oh, that's so lovely! Ha! :) I can just imagine Elladan's frustration at not being able to read what Elrohir is writing! :) It's so wonderful to see Elrohir keeping up his friendship with Ori. One wishes for the sake of the dwarves (and poor Gimli finding them in later years) that Elrohir had not encouraged them so. But then again...they're dwarves: what they have below their helmets and above their beards won't likely be beaten out lightly. ;) Please keep up the good work! I smile each time a chapter alert from you comes in - even before I have read it! Esteliel
Author's reply
Thanks! When I thought more about it, it made sense for Ori to teach Elrohir the Angerthas in exchange - it put their friendship on a much more equal footing, rather than teacher and pupil. And of course I could see Elladan's frustration so clearly then! I wish the outcome of the mission to Moria had been happier, though :(
Kitty · 10 January 2008 · Chapter 4: Dear Elladan (prompt: 'Hate')
Nana sends her love, and says she misses Ada as well – but they’re just Nana and Ada. I told her it’s not the same. *lol* Dear Elrohir, he's very convinced no one can miss someone other as much as he is missing Elladan! Of course the twins have to learn to be separated at times, but I can understand why they're not happy with it, as they are so close. Two is better, as you know already ;-)
Author's reply
No - Nana and Ada, and mere brothers can't miss each other as much as twins! As adults I'm sure there are times when their duties take them away from Imladris, and from each other, and they had to learn to cope. This is the first time they've been apart for more than a day, though. Two is better!
Larner · 10 January 2008 · Chapter 4: Dear Elladan (prompt: 'Hate')
Ah, those who try to help twins "become their own persons" by separating them! And I'd love to see his wind screen.
Author's reply
I'm surprised at Elrond - as Elrohir says, he should know better. Of course, Elrohir is actually enjoying himself - he just doesn't want to admit it! I think Haldir is being diplomatic about that screen ... :>)
Selene Aduial · 9 January 2008 · Chapter 4: Dear Elladan (prompt: 'Hate')
*snicker* I'll bet that his wind screen is truly a one of a kind ;) Kids and treehouses: an ideal combination. Eventhough he misses his brother a lot, and I can imagine it's worse for twins to be apart for the first time, he really seems to be having a good time. More??
Author's reply
*Grin* Haldir is being diplomatic :) Although Elrohir does miss Elladan a lot, he's having a great time - but he doesn't want to admit it. I'm not sure he even realises how much he's enjoying the visit without Elladan!
meckinock · 9 January 2008 · Chapter 4: Dear Elladan (prompt: 'Hate')
Treehouses are irresistable to all kids, aren't they? Elrohir's excitement and enthusiasm are so sweet - and he obviously misses his twin very much. Happy Birthday, Jay!
Author's reply
Thank you! Elrohir is actually enjoying himself in Lórien, with all the new experiences - he just doesn't want to admit he can have fun without Elladan :>)
ellie · 9 January 2008 · Chapter 4: Dear Elladan (prompt: 'Hate')
I'll bet the wind screen is one of a kind. too funny! what a sweet story of twin missing twin.
Author's reply
'One of a kind' - Haldir is very kind and diplomatic, isn't he? Elrohir is ten here, and missing Elladan a lot.