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Reflections from the Paradise of Elves  by Bodkin 5 Review(s)
elliskaReviewed Chapter: 55 on 3/9/2005
Sorry to be so long in reviewing this. I hurt my back and the drugs are making it impossible for me to concentrate on reading. Maddening really.

I was hoping a new elfling would be the surprise and it was! I loved the discussion of the timing of children (we alredy agree on the need for siblings!) and the way wives twist their husbands to their will on this topic. So true!

and also:

the thought of some simple violence is very tempting after far too much time spent being tactful and conciliatory.’ LOL! Also, too true.

Looking forward to the next one. :)

Author Reply: Aiming some simple violence at those to whom you have to be tactful and conciliatory is a very tempting idea. Of course, it's purely fantasy - one mustn't frighten the horses.

Sorry about your back - backs are the most annoying things. Bad piece of design really - they're under too much strain. Hope it recovers soon.

I contemplated whether they should have a daughter, but it was too neat - and anyway, Elrin would probably rather have a brother than risk another elleth. To my mind he's quite old to have a first sibling, but in elven terms the two brothers will be quite close - I haven't quite worked out the timeline, (I only do that carefully when doing Elflings), but I think Elrin is 30-35 ish. Maybe a little older.

Next one half done. The one after that done. Must write some more - I like being able to post these when I don't have time to write anything else. I must get back to Earendil, but I've got Galadriel and Celeborn demanding time in the woods, and Arwen complaining that it's about time I added some more to her story. And then Nimloth and Aewlin are in the middle of tormenting Galadriel and Thranduil. It would be so much more efficient to focus on one story at a time!

The KarenatorReviewed Chapter: 55 on 3/7/2005
Bodkin...I'm ashamed to tell you that I've read every single one of your chapters--as you posted them--and have not left one review. I'm terrible with reviewing and should be shot at sunrise, though being bad at something is not really a good excuse for not doing it. I have enjoyed every single word of this tale. It's such a neat idea and very original. I've seen Valinor stories, of course, but the way you've done this is such fun. Even though the chapters aren't long, you've done a great job of telling us all sorts of things about the characters. And you've given us a very personal look at them. The 'feel' of the story is very visual and very revealing emotionally. I find this whole story to be just delightful. And I have from the beginning. I look forward to the new chapters. Oh me...you can shoot me now.

Great story and I'm enjoying it...so maybe you could wait to shoot me until it's finished...if you don't mind.

Karen

Author Reply: I'm glad you enjoy it - reviews are a pleasure, but don't worry about not doing them. It's good to hear from you now. This whole story just grew from a very small beginning and has taken on a life of its own. I can't see it ever coming to a conclusion really - because it doesn't really have a story, it's just a group of friends talking about their lives. It has only two rules for writing - two pages of Word maximum and no-one speaks except E2L.

(And I'll pass on the shooting! It might be a bit of an extreme reaction. And I'd rather keep learning more about the lovely Daeron and his friends and associates.)

NilmandraReviewed Chapter: 55 on 3/7/2005
My first reaction is to hrrmmpph at another son and demand a daughter, but I think Elrin will have more fun with a brother. More trouble and mischievousness.

I rather think Elrond and Celebrian will get over any inconvenience very quickly when they hear this news! As for Elladan - I'd say his timing is wonderful. He gets out of certain duties and everyone is happy with him. :D

Author Reply: My instincts wanted to present them with a daughter - but it would be just too neat. And Elrohir has two and Legolas one. Someone has to overdose on sons - and Elladan just pulled the short straw - and he is a descendant of a family that seems to produce mainly sons.

I don't think Celebrian will mind acquiring another grandbaby one bit - and if Elrond tried to keep her away, she'd fight to get back.

Yes, Elladan will be patting himself on the back as soon as he realises what a clever move this is.

Thank you for commenting.

daw the minstrelReviewed Chapter: 55 on 3/7/2005
Congratulations, Elladan! I must say that I like Elrin. He's such a sweet, serious boy. He'll make a wonderful big brother.

As a parent, however, I was always annoyed with other parents who had kids like that and took credit for it! I mean, they deserved some credit, obviously, but a lot of temperament is sort of luck of the draw. So I can sympathize with Legolas and Elrohir too.

Author Reply: I rather like Elrin myself. I'm not sure he'll be as ecstatic about getting a sibling as Nana and Ada think, but he'll deal with it. And at least his brother is unlikely to be quite such a pain as his cousins.

Aewlin and Nimloth are improving - really! In a few years, Elrohir will forget most of their awfulness. And Galenthil and Eleniel aren't too bad.

The real down point to another member of House Elrond is having to think of a name for him!

Jay of LasgalenReviewed Chapter: 55 on 3/7/2005
Ha, I knew it! I'm not surprised that Elrohir guessed as well - he does know his brother rather well.

I liked Elladan remembering when Arwen was young, and how it was such a treat for her to spend time with her brothers. It will be nice for Elrin to have a little brother - and after all his experience with two sets of twin cousins, he'll be a great big brother!

I agree with Elrohir, though - it would be best to wait until his two are finally grown up before he and Sirithiel consider starting again!


Jay

Author Reply: I do feel a bit for all these elflings who really grew up as only children. It's no wonder that elflings were supposed to be very sensible and need little direction - they were all loners with very over-attentive parents. E2 must have been among few infant lordlings with equals to play with and torment. It's no wonder they have developed a reputation for mischief.

I think Miriwen and Elladan are right to present Elrin with a sibling before he gets too old - and he will be a good brother. Possibly a bit too managing for the pleasure of the new little one!

Elrohir and Sirithiel won't be rushing to produce more elflings. Shame really - Sirithiel was desperately anxious to have little ones, but I think she's been ground down rather by the somewhat - shall we say - strong-minded brats to whom she gave birth.

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