Many of us on this side of the Big Pond sympathize with the trio. Rain! I suppose we'll be grateful come the drought of July that our reserves are good.
When I read the part about Elladan shaking his head, I got visions of Nilmandra's Elladan, the Mordorian puppy, shaking off the excess water. :>) I'm sure your Elladan smelled better than wet puppy.
Elrohir looked disapprovingly at the hoof prints of Elladan’s horse, each now filling with water as if to present them with a cup of welcome. What a wonderful line! I could see this so clearly.
I got a kick out of how much the trio was enjoying the fact that Legolas's in-laws were up a tree! But then, who in their right mind would criticize the Lord and Lady of the Golden Wood's choice of housing? I bet the in-laws were impressed with being invited to spend time with Galadriel no matter where she lives. Like you said...kind of makes Thranduil's house look absolutely reasonable. And I liked the description of Thranduil's Halls. Sounds great.
The rain didn't look so bad when Legolas realized that the missing in-laws meant that he would have his wife all to himself for a short while.
I chuckled all the way through this chapter. Delightful, Bodkin. I can say that since I'm warm and dry. :>)
Karen
Author's reply
It seems to be raining everywhere in my Elf-world at the moment. Every now and then my brain says 'it can't be sunny all the time!', but actually rain impinges on people's reactions more, so it can be awkward and take over. But elves would love all weather - wouldn't they?
Wet puppy is not a good fragrance - I'm sure Elladan smells more of autumn woods and cedarwood and generally pleasant woodland scents.
The in-laws are impressed enough by Galadriel's persona and social position as the High King's daughter that they will accept things from her that they would not appreciate from a lesser elf. And, given time in her tree, they might actually discover some of the pleasures of living close to the forest. (And, even if they don't, they wouldn't dare complain.)
Thranduil's Halls are probably a compromise - Laerwen would go for tree-living, but he would realise that it isn't always convenient. But it would be a particularly elegant compromise.
Yes, Legolas wants to get home as quickly as he can to spend time with Elerrina - before her parents return.
Thank you. Continue warm and dry!
Jay of Lasgalen
· 3 May 2005
· Chapter 60: Rain
I was so busy drooling, I forgot to mention how much I appreciated this image of Legolas: 'his clothes clung to him as if sculpted to his body.'
Add this to the previous chapter's little gem: 'stripped to the waist and gleaming with sweat,' I think you're going to have to place cold shower warnings on your fics! Not that I mind ...
Jay ;)
Author's reply
You like semi-naked elves? Maybe they should have problems with their clothing more often. (Like the heroines of movies, who always manage to lose just the right amount to be interesting.)
Cold shower warnings . . . no, more interesting to come across the image unexpectedly!
Redheredh
· 2 May 2005
· Chapter 60: Rain
I can't stop grinning! That was fun! You are probably right about the in-laws learning to enjoy arboreal living because C&G can show them how to do it right. "trees large enough - or co-operative enough" Ha!
Hmm, "sculpted to his body". You just couldn't resist that, could you? ;)
With all the take about flooding, I hope the guys do get home and it isn't washed away.
Author's reply
And Galadriel is Finarfin's daughter - if she wants to live in a tree, at least Linevende feels you have to be polite about it. After all, how else can she do a bit of name-dropping when she gets home. But I don't think Taryatur will feel tempted to build a talan.
Sculpted to the twins' bodies, too. It's very wet. You like the image?
This situation is sort of followed up in the next Elflings which is, at the moment, around the same time. So . . .
Thank you for reading.
Nilmandra
· 2 May 2005
· Chapter 60: Rain
I would say Legolas enjoyed his in-laws discomfort quite a lot! LOL - and to find that Finarfin's daughter lived in a tree - an elegant tree, I'm sure, but a tree nonetheless! He should however, quit tempting fate by commenting that too much water cannot harm.
I have it on good authority that Elrond believes in nice warm baths before birth, at least :)
Author's reply
Elrond is a very advanced elven obstetrician. He knows what to do - and encourages paternal assistance and all sorts. I'd even trust him to do a section. (Though Caesar would have to go. Maybe a Feanor section. That could account for a lot.)
Galadriel's tree dwelling is very elegant. Minimalist New York loft elegant, with lots of white. But it's still up a tree. And I think Legolas has endured a lot of comments about their quaint, rustic home, together with suggestions about the kind of home Elerrina should expect. But not even Linevende is foolhardy enough to make those kind of remarks to Finarfin's daughter.
You think there could be problems with all this rain?
Thanks for reading!
Elena Tiriel
· 2 May 2005
· Chapter 60: Rain
Why, Bodkin! One could *almost* believe that Legolas isn't enjoying his in-laws' exceedingly generous gift of their presence... ;-)
- Barbara
Author's reply
I think he is enjoying the generous gift of their absence even more! And the thought of some quality time with his wife.
At the moment, Thranduil feels he could almost get to like Galadriel - as long as it's from far enough away that they don't start riling each other.
Thank you.
elliska
· 2 May 2005
· Chapter 60: Rain
Hehehe! Legolas's glee as the twins joke about Taryatur and Linevendë was just hilarious! And I liked the mental image of Thranduil home. Sounds cool. But for some reason, this was my favorite:
‘Let us make our way home before our horses decide for themselves to seek shelter. If you are not careful they might return us to our grandparents’ house.’
‘I think not,’ Legolas said firmly, as his horse’s hooves squelched through the mud. ‘I would rather paddle home than spend any more time with my adar-in-law.’
That just cracked me up! So glad to come home to this tonight. What a treat.
Author's reply
Poor Legolas. I reckon Thranduil should be very grateful to Galadriel for playing on L and T's snobbery and taking them away for a bit. And, perhaps, just perhaps, terrorise them into realising what a gem of a son-in-law they have. (They would sneakily prefer it if Elerrina had chosen one of the twins, I think. Unfortunately trace of Man in there, but also descent from Finarfin - and Melian - and a few other rather impressive lines.)
They want to watch their step on the way home, though. It is very wet - and they do have a tendency to attract any trouble going.
Glad you enjoyed it. Looking forward (in an agonised way) to more about poor Lindomiel and Amoneth.
Jay of Lasgalen
· 2 May 2005
· Chapter 60: Rain
The persistent rain reminds me of our climate recently! I agree with the twins - there's such a thing as too much rain. I loved Legolas's ever-growing smile, and especially Elladan's comment: ‘I do not believe,’ Elladan grinned, ‘that I have ever seen anything to equal Linevendë’s expression when she realised that she was going to have to climb up into a tree.’
Oh, how I would have loved to see that. I also loved Legolas's remark that they wouold never find trees 'co-operative enough' - not for such snooty Noldor, no!
I have to admit that your stories of the twins and Legolas alive and well in Valinor are very soothing after so much angst.
Jay
Author's reply
I seem to have introduced heavy rain to quite a lot of stories written recently . . I must be affected by the climate!
Linevende is doubtless horrified by the thought of climbing up a delicate stairway into the treetops, but she'll do it without protect for Finarfin's daughter. And go home and tell her friends how 'delightfully elegant' it is, too.
And Legolas is relishing the thought of her doing anything - as long as it is as many leagues away from him as he can manage.
Yes, I felt the need to reassure myself of Elrohir's health and happiness and have him wallowing in some mud with Elladan and Legolas.
daw the minstrel
· 2 May 2005
· Chapter 60: Rain
LOL. Nothing like delivering irritating relatives to someone else whose living arrangements are bound to make them appreciate you more! Maybe. I expect Galadriel is able to look down her nose at anyone who thinks her home is not elegant enough. I love picturing that.
Author's reply
And a relative who is recognised as somebody you want to impress, as well. Linevende would do more than endure living in a tree to be able to go home and talk to her friends about 'Galadriel and I . . .'
You never know, Thranduil may even end up being grateful to Galadriel!
Who is confident enough in her choice of lifestyle not to care two hoots what other people think about it. And Taryatur might be rather on the bossy side and able to wind Legolas up, but he wouldn't survive two minutes with Celeborn, so he'd better not start trying to patronise him.
Redheredh
· 24 April 2005
· Chapter 59: Frustration
Heh! Sorry, just cannot help being amused at Legolas's expense. Those who could care less about what their in-laws think can only wonder at his desperation to be worthy of his spouse in the eyes of her father. Yeah yeah, it is all a matter of circumstances and personalities. But, imho if Legolas really respected Elerrinna's judgement, he would not take Taryatur's so hard. A little self-esteem instead of reflexive-resentment may be all that is necessary to shift his father-in-law's attitude. Though Elerrinna probably should nudge her ada. After all, Taryatur just wants to be sure that his daughter will be well-cared for whatever she is. And he should not have to be there, somewhere *he* certainly does not want to be,\\ just to ensure that. I guess I side with Thranduil.
But, this chapter was another simply wonderful scene! Watching these three friends continue to look after eachother like brothers is entertaining, heart-warming, and admirable. I hope you allow us to continue spending time with them for a long time to come.
Author's reply
Well - it's being elven, I suppose, and tied up in families that are bound for eternity in the Blessed Realm. He can't even hope for the Sundering Sea to put an uncrossable gap between them. And the trouble is, that no matter how irritating your in-laws are, they are the beloved parents of your spouse. Taryatur might be annoying Elerrina, but her hackles would involuntarily rise if Legolas started on him. So probably, if he were weighing things up, better to have his wife annoyed with her father rather than with him.
Legolas is doubtless behaving with royal training and self-discipline in front of Taryatur (could be part of the problem), and if he wants to go and slaughter a few dead logs to relieve his irritation, who am I to stop him! Perhaps they should just go off somewhere and be males together and get it all out their systems. Although I'm with Elrohir in feeling that excessive alcohol and too much freedom of speech could be dangerous in a situation like that.
He's better off having a good time with the twins - and laughing off his mood. He'll deal with it all better when he gets back.
The Karenator
· 23 April 2005
· Chapter 59: Frustration
Ah...nice woodpecker you have there, Bodkin! I admit I stumbled slightly on my way to the rest of the story, but I'm made of stern stuff. I am too!
So the young Thranduilion is working off some of his stress. Can't say I blame him. Taryatur is lucky that Legolas wasn't using his head to steady the logs to be chopped. 'His poor daughter' indeed!
I have to admit that I was slightly disappointed that Legolas wouldn't let E2 put Galadriel on his trail! That would have been interesting. Legolas is just too honorable! :>)
But the alternate plan...the wineskin...sounds like a winner. I'll just get my glass and be right over.
Very nice chapter. Absolutely delightful.
Karen
Author's reply
That woodpecker does seem to catch the eye . . . and the imagination.
Physical exertion as a way to relieve stress - and I'm sure that he was picturing Taryatur's face on every log. I suppose, if they don't overdo the wine, the twins could cart Legolas off for a bit of unarmed combat practice. That might be calming, too.
Elerrina wouldn't have liked to find that Legolas was picking on her adar, however much he deserved it - now if the twins broached the idea to her - she might find it a very good elven nuclear deterrent. Knowledge is power.
Yes - let's join the party. (It's rather . . . interesting to get these elves to remove some of their unnecessary garments now and then! Adds a different viewpoint.)
Nilmandra
· 23 April 2005
· Chapter 59: Frustration
LOL at poor Legolas! I don't have in-laws that cannot be pleased - I have a naneth that cannot! Well, I am grateful that the twins took away the axe before breaking out the wine! Gimli would be pleased.
Author's reply
And what is one of the most terrifying thoughts about growing older? Not age or infirmity. It's the dread of turning into those creatures that have driven you insane throughout your adult life.
Do I want my children to grit their teeth at the thought of coming to see me? Or have sons/daughters-in-law who would rather have their toenails removed with red-hot pincers than spend a week in my company? And how do you avoid it?
And Elerrina lives with her in-laws. Just because we're rather sweet on Thranduil and his wife doesn't make that a stress-free situation!
At least Legolas has good friends who will take away the axe and make him laugh - and he knows that Elerrina's parents will go home before too long.
daw the minstrel
· 23 April 2005
· Chapter 59: Frustration
Stripped to the waist and gleaming with sweat
Pause...... OK. I'm ready to read the rest now.
This chapter reminded me of a friend of mine who married a Frenchman and then they moved into a little house next door to her retired parents while they both finished graduate school. Her father used to go out and cut the grass at their house after her husband had done it -- not well enough apparently. Ah, family.
Author's reply
You like the image?
Now wouldn't that want you make to want to hurt the man? It's one of the most devious ways I have ever heard of to make someone feel inadequate. He could just as easily have said, 'You're really busy at the moment, son, and I'm retired. I'll do your grass for you.' But no. You would have to work at finding it funny, I think. As when you keep score of the number of times people repeat turns of phrase like 'basically' or 'you know' rather than coming straight out and telling them to develop a more interesting vocabulary.
In a millennium or two, Legolas and Taryatur might have rubbed off the edges of their reaction to each other and learned that the other is not so bad. Maybe.
elliska
· 23 April 2005
· Chapter 59: Frustration
Ok, I know this is going to sound really dorky, but the thought of Legolas chopping wood--especially the way you described it--is really hot. Fanfgirl moments are fairly rare for me but I definitely had one here. :)
And I loved Elladan and Elrohir. Those two are just evil little plotters. Legolas has a problem so they immediately fall to scheming ways to find dirt on the one causing the problem. Friends like that are just great, aren't they. Too funny!
And I love that it was Gimli's axe. I imagine Gimli intended for it to be brought out and used to provide the comfort of a bit of his presence. These are so much fun to read. :)
Author's reply
Good. I'm glad it caused a fangirl moment. (It's good fun throwing in the occasional partially-clothed elf. Good for the imagination.)
Elladan and Elrohir have such fun with their scheming - it takes them back to their elflinghood. And they are great at improving Legolas's mood - he doesn't have to pretend anything with them, and he can trust them absolutely.
Gimli wouldn't have been too thrilled to have the axe used for chopping wood - it's probably some big cultural no-no - but he would have understood and encouraged some recreational intoxication before going out and making him a special axe to use when he needed to relieve his feelings.
They are huge fun to write, too. (Much more straightforward than Earendil. I'm not good at battle. It takes so long to write things that are supposed to seem quick and terrifying.)
Jay of Lasgalen
· 23 April 2005
· Chapter 59: Frustration
*gulp* What an image for first thing in the morning, Bodkin - Legolas 'Stripped to the waist and gleaming with sweat' How will I be able to concentrate on work now??
Poor Legolas does sound fed up - I'm not surprised he's contemplating a little kin-laying! I think Gimli would approve of Legolas using the axe, though - far better than keeping it as a wall ornament, and surely he didn't expect him to use it for killing orcs?
Jay
(off for a cold shower ;)
Author's reply
Is there a better way to start the day? It will provide an image to lighten all that labour!
Being elves - in the Blessed Realm, too - there is nothing that will ever remove your parents-in-law from your hair, too. Although he only gets to have them visit. Elerrina lives with her in-laws. But, since they're Thranduil and Laerwen, that doesn't seem too unbearable.
Gimli would make a fuss - just on principle - but he would understand, and then go out and forge him an axe better suited for the task.
Glad you liked it!
Lindelea
· 23 April 2005
· Chapter 59: Frustration
Happy anniversary!
Know how it goes, with a story that keeps growing with no end in sight. Might as well relax and go with the flow.
Water too wet! Snork! I know someone like that, who'd complain that up is up and down is down...
Author's reply
Thank you. It's been a great year - I've found something I really love doing - (even if it is 'weird', 'pointless' and 'you don't get paid for doing it'. (You don't get paid for watching football, either - or for playing golf!)
There is just no plot to this - so, in the Undying Lands, it could just run and run. And it will. They just keep talking!
Legolas's father-in-law is just not prepared to give in - it's driving him wild.
lwarren
· 18 April 2005
· Chapter 58: Wanting
A whole year! Imagine that! I sincerely hope you mean that Reflections will go on forever, tho'. I love the interaction and conversations between these three friends!
Poor Legolas! In-laws! Ain't nothin' like 'em to turn yer stomick inside out and upside down! (See? The mere thought brings out the hick Texas accent in me! :-) ) And Legolas was so intent on his reunion with his wife and elflings, he missed the impending arrival of doom! I certainly hope Laerwen will have some ideas up her sleeve (make'em love the forest - OR make 'em leave!) for Legolas' protection...else he may be one unhappy elf Prince for some time to come!
As usual, E2 were SO supportive! LOL And the comment about all elflings being savages made me choke! Truer words were never spoken! :-)
Wonderful job, Bodkin...may your muse never desert you...and may Reflections really go on - and on - and on...!!!!
linda
Author's reply
Well - they are immortal. And in the Undying Lands. And I nearly always have one or two ahead of those here. They are just such a pleasure to write. Really, these three only have to be put in a situation somewhere and they just start talking.
Poor in-laws. They do get a bad name. Unfortunately often merited! They want to be assured that Elerrina is being treated properly - and that her formerly unknown naneth-in-law is not making her miserable. But you're right - Legolas is going to be grinding his teeth in an attempt to keep his tongue still and a smile on his face.
Elflings are natural savages, refined (eventually) by years of careful nurturing. And of course some are just a little more savage than others. And you are in the ideal position to know that!
Thank you. This is too much fun to stop. And I can see these Reflections seeing E2L through becoming in-laws and grandparents themselves!
Jay of Lasgalen
· 17 April 2005
· Chapter 58: Wanting
Poor Legolas has really missed his wife and children. I wonder if he'll be quite so enthusiastic about greeting his in-laws? And what will they make of the forest?
The picture of Aewlin and Nimloth as big cousins is intriguing - they won't be the youngest any more. Either they will utterly corrupt him, or will thrive on the responsibility.
Jay
Author's reply
I'm sure he'll be really happy to see them. Or maybe not! I hope Taryatur and Linevende have arrived intending to be broad-minded and tolerant guests who look for the best in their surroundings. . . But somehow, I can't see the smiles lasting too long.
I wonder how Aewlin and Nimloth will respond. Well, I think. But it will take the infant's arrival to let us find out!
(And it'll probably take me as long to think of a name for him as it has for Miriwen to carry him.)
elliska
· 17 April 2005
· Chapter 58: Wanting
Congratulations on a year of Reflections and I am very glad there is no end in sight!
I loved poor Legolas's youthful impatience and his shock and threats upon hearing the rumor that more are returning than expected. The idea of Elerrina's very civilized parents in the forest is quite amusing. These three are the perfect friends and you capture it so well in their teasing. I love these. :)
Author's reply
Thank you!
I think Elerrina's parents could make very annoying company. They will either attempt to fit it - and make everybody really uncomfortable, or turn their noses up at everything and drive the locals mad. Although, they know Thranduil and Legolas (who are too well-mannered to say exactly what they think), but they don't know Laerwen - and I suspect that she could be tougher than Linevende thinks.
I love writing these - E2L are just so comfortable together that they only need to be put together for the talk to flow. I am sure there will be plenty more.
The Karenator
· 17 April 2005
· Chapter 58: Wanting
Oh no! The in-laws are coming! Cute scene. Legolas is so impatient and distracted that he's only half paying attention to what E2 are saying. Of course, they can't help but be amused by the Thranduilion. I suppose it won't be long before the new elfling arrives and 'someone else' will want a new one too. Often works like that. Maybe being elves the guys can forestall any more babies for a while. Fun chapter. Delighted smile on my face.
Karen
Author's reply
New elfling alert imminent. Legolas and Elrohir are convinced that the possession of twins will save them - but you know what babies do to all females of child-bearing age and inclination.
I think just at the moment Legolas will accept the in-laws as the price of having Elerrina home. Whether he will feel the same way by the end of a week is an entirely different matter!
Thank you for reading!
Nilmandra
· 17 April 2005
· Chapter 58: Wanting
Bodkin, this is true torture! Poor Legolas has been missing his family for four months...and just at the height of his excitement to have them home, they return with the dreaded in-laws....who will probably decide the forest is so wonderful they should stay for a good long while! LOL! Oh well, Legolas knew married life could not be all bliss.
Author's reply
Or, more infuriatingly, will decide the forest is horrible and they should stay for a good long while, complaining all the time! The pain will make its absence enhance forest life after the parents-in-law go home, though.
I'm sure E2 will do their best to help. Although maybe not everyone will find them helpful.
Thank you for commenting.
daw the minstrel
· 17 April 2005
· Chapter 58: Wanting
Are you serious? The in-laws? Oh my. Poor Legolas. Do elves have that saying about how fish and relatives begin to smell after three days?
Author's reply
They're elves. Three days is far too short a time. Three months, maybe. And wouldn't you want to see where your daughter was living? And make the acquaintance of her new mother-in-law? (Perhaps Legolas will be able to persuade them to go and visit Galadriel. And perhaps not.)
Elena Tiriel
· 17 April 2005
· Chapter 58: Wanting
‘They are elflings,’ Elladan said easily. ‘Savagery is a natural state of affairs.’
*splorfle* That needed a beverage alert, Bodkin!
Well, it's been a great year! I always enjoy seeing whatever you come up with next... it's always creative... and often hilarious, to boot!
- Barbara
Author's reply
Thank you! I find this all so enjoyable I have to force myself to do boring work stuff! I currently have four stories going (- I must be mad, but they just start themselves) - so I suppose I should try to finish three of them before beginning anything else.
Reflections, of course, will just keep going for ever. I'm glad you're still enjoying it.
The Karenator
· 1 April 2005
· Chapter 57: The New Year
Again, I've fallen behind on reviewing. High school baseball season is in full swing, plus end of the year concerts, etc, and I'm changing my 'mama' hat every few minutes it seems.
Since I read this chapter, it's been on my mind. I reread it this morning, and I have to say that the peaceful, reflective quality of it was just what I needed.
The descriptions of how these three felt when they viewed the wide open plains of Rohan were just beautiful. I could feel the strangeness they felt with being in such open and then the awe they felt at the magnificent view. I loved the comparison of Estel and Eomer. Both men had such an appreciation of the land, but Eomer's came as naturally as breathing. Estel had to learn to see the world through the eyes of his people. Wonderful observation.
I loved Legolas's thoughts about the twins too. They're individuals, but are still united in a way unique unto them. Very nice.
The memories stirred in these three were so poignant. They had stood witness to the salvation of Middle-earth from Sauron and knew firsthand the cost of that victory.
I truly enjoyed this chapter. It was very well done!
Karen
Author's reply
Having caught up on the reading - (we went to Bruges for a few days. Very beautiful city. Lots of cobbles. Lots of walking. Buildings dating from the 11th century,) - I'm now catching up on replying!
It turned out different to what I intended, did this one. But I rather liked the direction it took, so allowed it to do what it wanted.
I think Imladris wasn't anywhere near as forest-ish as Lasgalen, but I couldn't imagine it being without trees - and the sheer openness of Rohan would be quite unnerving, I would think. I've only seen huge grassy plains courtesy of the television, but we visited Uluru (aka Ayer's Rock) last year and spent an evening out in the middle of this huge red emptiness with nothing but sky - it's impressive, and I'm no elf. Eomer is close to the land and the horses and people in a very instinctive way - and I think elves would respond to that. Whereas Estel, of course, has the discipline of long training - and they would understand that, too! Plus he has a natural touch of elvishness and the love of a good elleth.
The twins spent a long time in their own diamond chrysalis after Celebrian's ordeal and it possibly strengthened a bond already strong - but they are different and their families are allowing them to explore those differences in a way they never could in Middle Earth.
E2L will always be unlike the elves who were born in the Blessed Realm and know only its safety - and they are right that there should be some time each year when the community think about what could have been and what elves and others paid in order to defeat evil. And they are in a good position to see that it happens, too.
Thank you.
Nilmandra
· 28 March 2005
· Chapter 57: The New Year
This was touching - and very nice to think that the memory of Middle-earth and the bravery and courage of the mortal races will be told in elvenhome, for their lives were interwoven with those same mortals. And none more than the half-elven are aware of what price was paid. I hope they have a grand celebration.
Author's reply
Thank you. It didn't start off meaning to go quite so deeply into their memory of their friends, but they are quite right - the elves need to remember what the mortal races did and to understand that they are different but have an equally important part to play in Eru Iluvatar's plan. Elrond's whole family, up and down the generations has been paying since the sun first rose - and I think some of the smug elves patting themselves on the back for sitting at the feet of the Valar over time need to remember that, too.
E2L are in a pretty good position to establish a new tradition - they can start it in their own realms and then they have Galadriel Finarfiniel to exert her influence on the Noldor, Celeborn on the Sindar, Earwen for the Teleri, Thranduil (and Laerwen) to jig up the Silvan. Melian for the Maiar? There are advantages to having strong ties to all the kindreds. And then, of course, there's Olorin to guilt the Valar into joining in. It should end up quite a party. With major lays to ensure that everyone knows exactly why they are there.
lwarren
· 28 March 2005
· Chapter 57: The New Year
This was such a fascinating little piece about how the song of the stars would affect an elf in a wide open space. If I take the meaning right (about making their bones ache), the uninterrupted (by trees and such) song was so strong as to be almost overwhelming (or am I completely off base here?). Then the remembrances of Rohan lead to the discussions of Eomer, and then of course to Aragorn and Arwen and Frodo and all those they have lost. I am so glad they see the importance of remembering what sacrifices those of mortal blood made that, in the end, affected the lives of the elves. And I am with E2L, they deserve to be remembered. Wonderful!!
Legolas' thoughts about the twins was great, too. They have grown up now and lead their own lives, but still...two halves of a whole no matter the time and lives they lead apart. Fascinating reminders of their very different personalities...you read about it in the stories, but it was fun to hear Legolas think about each one of his friends.
Once again, lovely language pictures, Bodkin. I think once Elladan, Elrohir, and Legolas have recruited everyone to plan this celebration, it would make a terrific "news report" for us poor, earth-bound readers! HEADLINE NEWS: SONS OF ELROND AND THRANDUIL ESTABLISH NEW HOLIDAY! LOL :-) (ummm....hinthint). Thank you for another great addition to "Reflections..." .
linda
Author's reply
No, that is exactly what I meant. I think the intensity of uninterrupted sky and exposure to the stars would be quite painful to elves, until they grew more accustomed to the experience. (I was just musing to daw that maybe that's one thing that ties elves to forests. And it has just occurred to me to wonder about the pain of the sea longing and wonder whether the vast expanse of open water and sky is linked in with why that is such an overwhelming experience to elves.)
It is quite interesting (to me anyway) that this went as intended until E2L got to talking about Rohan and then went off determinedly in its own direction. (I looked back and tried to put the name of Boromir in, too, as he ended up the only member of the Fellowship not mentioned, but I couldn't find a place where he fitted without disrupting the rest of the conversation.) They do deserve to be remembered in the Blessed Realm - and, between them, E2L, Galadriel and Mithrandir are in a pretty good position to push others - Finarfin, the Valar and so on - into making it so.
The twins are two halves at times - they could pull on their self-containment easily as elflings, but I think they honed it to adamant after Celebrian was tormented. They tend not to do it on purpose now, but it's there and any intrusion into painful matters brings down the shield. (It must frustrate their wives immensely.)
It'll take them a while to get the new tradition established - Elladan has a baby to get born yet, but you're right - they do need to report back on their progress. I wonder if it'll need opening out to more characters though.
Thank you for commenting. Best wishes to you and the killer squirrels.