SharonB
· 26 January 2005
· Chapter 52: Making an Effort
Ah, still searching for that which Nimloth does well. It does some that it takes more for some children to find what they are "good at and interested in" than it does with others. At least she enjoyed this session. I think Elladan has it right, jewelry craft may not be a good idea. I'm trying to remember about the parents of Elrohir's wife. Were they Noldor or were they from Lothlorein and she was born in Aman? I'll have to go back and look. Maybe she should try wood crafts?
Author's reply
Elrohir's parents-in-law were from Lothlorien, but they moved to the Blessed Realm before Sirithiel was born. I think they were among those who sailed around the time of the loss of Amroth/Nimrodel, when Durin's Bane drove the dwarves from Moria.
I'm not sure that Nimloth has the patience for fiddly things - or much interest in jewellery. It's all a bit to inanimate for her. She will find her way, but all the offspring are still quite young and more into general education at the moment.
daw the minstrel
· 26 January 2005
· Chapter 52: Making an Effort
I like the idea of Nimloth's Noldor side coming out. They do like to make things. But making things often requires patience if it's to be done well. Of course, maybe if they found the right thing to make, she'd develop the patience. Or maybe not. :-)
Author's reply
Nimloth will find her path eventually - and then I expect she will be very good at what she does. In the meantime, however . . .
E2L know that their offspring have plenty of time - and there is no need for them to be pushed into becoming warriors or tacticians or learning to guard their homes while the armies go to battle.
The only real risk of all that endless calm and ordered peace is that there is no push to make choices. Nimloth could be a dilettante for ever, trying this and dipping into that.
elliska
· 26 January 2005
· Chapter 52: Making an Effort
Something about the image of an arthritc bear struck me as extremely funny. That was a great line. I think worse was the statement that Estel was better than the twins. So mean. And the conversation just got worse from there--Legolas' calm 'I would not press the matter' was great! I love these elves together. Their poor kids. What nutsy parents. Great job.
Author's reply
I'm not sure Legolas is being strictly truthful there - trees are perhaps not the twins' natural home, but I can't imagine that Estel could really outclimb them that well.
The elflings just cast their eyes up once their adars get going. They haven't quite got to the age when fathers are really embarrassing, but I can imagine that they will before long. And then there will be the moments when E2L surprise their offspring by showing their more dangerous and skilled sides. (I can imagine their wives occasionally find it hard to believe that their husbands are hero-elves rather than comedy-elves.)
Jay of Lasgalen
· 26 January 2005
· Chapter 52: Making an Effort
Typical that it should be Nimloth who falls out of a window and breaks her arm! May one ask why she was escaping that way? Poor Elrohir :(
I liked the Biblical reference of swords and ploughshares, and Legolas comparing Elladan's agility in the trees to an arthritic bear. The elflings must be very used to all the insults if they simply ignore them.
I'd hoped that Nimloth had found her niche in creating rather than destroying, but perhaps a jewelsmith isn't the best career considering her 'family history'. However, she is calming down, which has to be a good thing!
Jay
Author's reply
Because the window was there? Why does Nimloth do anything? (She is getting better, but she has inherited the recklessness of all her male kin.)
You can insult close friends as much as you like - and they do! But the elflings know that it a sign of affection. I'll bet Nimloth stores up the insults for future reference, though. And probably tells Aewlin about them. I wonder if they ever get indignant about what Legolas says to their adar? Probably not - they're too used to it.
Nimloth will probably end up doing something unexpected - and once she finds something to devote her energies to, she's the kind of child you would be proud of. Getting there can be interesting, though.
lwarren
· 19 January 2005
· Chapter 51: Growing Pains
I can't imagine how close twins must be, much less of the elven variety! Nimloth in withdrawal from her twin was rather intimidating! I loved the 3 adars trying to formulate a plan to help her out...and in the end Aewlin had the best solution of all! Round 1 to Aewlin, 1 of many I'm afraid! Good description of Nimloth's frustrated anger and hurt...I was ducking those rocks! LOL Another great chapter!
linda
Author's reply
Yes, I don't think Nimloth is one to shut herself away and cry. Much like her great-grandmother. I think they might get on quite well together when Nimloth outgrows her 'pain in the butt' phase.
Aewlin is more subtle - maybe more of a Celeborn. Don't know, haven't quite thought of them in that way.
Growing up is a tough experience - everything is so earth-shattering, and being told that in a few weeks time something won't matter makes no impression, when just at the moment it matters very much.
Poor adars. Their hearts are going to be torn regularly over the next decades. (The hearts of their naneths, too, but they only appear peripherally in these.)
lwarren
· 19 January 2005
· Chapter 50: Fishing for Compliments
I wish I could fish like that - all I ever succeeded in doing was hanging my lure up in a TREE after a particularly "accurate" cast and incurring the wrath of my adar! LOL As usual, I love the way these guys interact with each other - bears and orc-armpits notwithstanding! :-) I hope they decide to take that long long "vacation" in the trees with all the elflings and the wives! That would be special, with some special stories, I would imagine! Wonderful chapter in this friendship, Bodkin!
linda
Author's reply
I wouldn't dream of attempting any kind of fish catching - but I've read it can be done by mortals. And whatever trout-ticklers can do, elves can undoubtedly do better!
I hope they take their long trip to the woods, too, although the backlog of stories to write is getting longer. It could be an Elflings chapter, perhaps. Maybe 'Seventh Heaven'. That seems to be a good plan. I'll make a note!
SharonB
· 17 January 2005
· Chapter 51: Growing Pains
Yes, our boys have the rights of it. It's hard to stand back and let our little ones grow especially when they have this type of pain to go through. But I had to laugh at Elladan's description of what he thinks girls might get trained in. LOL, is he truly that clueless? ;-) But Nimloth's dad certainly has the right solution to really help her. And at least her twin did the right thing to diffuse the situation as well. Elrohir's little girls are growing up.
Author's reply
You can do your best to intervene and soothe things down - but you can't change the reality of the changes that are taking place. Perhaps Miriwen should take Elladan in hand and insist on a bit of role reversal until he has more grasp of what is involved in running a large household! (He might not be that aware of girlie-lessons - too busy training / orc-slaying / being macho - and, of course, the twins were over a century older than Arwen. He only has a son, too, so maybe he's just not paid much attention.)
Elrohir knows the limitations of what he can do - but being assured of unconditional love is very warming, and he has learned from his own experience not to push her where she is not ready to go. And Aewlin is clever - good empathy, especially with Nimloth. They are beginning to change - a good thing in some ways, but it is still sad when your little ones begin to grow up.
elliska
· 17 January 2005
· Chapter 51: Growing Pains
Hi, sorry about the blank review. I got distracted and started clicking the wrong buttons. :)
This chapter was a sad little glimpse at the elflings but unfortunately all too true. Children do find it so difficult to grow apart in interests that way and it takes some time to recover from that. But the way you used that to explore everyone's personality was really clever. I always love seeing these!
Author's reply
Growing up is hard - and taking 2-3 times as long to do it won't make it any easier. And being identical twins must be harder that Eleniel and Galenthil's fraternal bond.
Thank you. I love doing these - and there appears to be no likelihood of them ending anytime soon.
Jay of Lasgalen
· 17 January 2005
· Chapter 51: Growing Pains
Poor Nimloth. Elrohir is right, the fact that he knows what is happening won't make it any easier for her - but he *does* understand a twin bond, and it must help a little.
I liked the glimpse into the twins' childhood, and the hint of discord there when they were growing up.
Jay
Author's reply
It'll help him, probably. He can try to encourage Sirithiel to believe that it's only a phase and will pass soon enough, but I doubt it'll be much consolation to Nimloth. Kids do have a tendency to believe that their experiences are unique - because old people certainly can't have felt the way they do now.
The twins can't have live in sweetness and harmony ALL the time. And maturing (like learning) is uneven, rather than a nice smooth progression.
daw the minstrel
· 17 January 2005
· Chapter 51: Growing Pains
This would be a hard moment for twins, especially identical ones. They must have issues in working out their separate ways. But at least Elrohir would have known about this whereas most parents wouldn't. Actually, I think his answer "love her" is good for most of what ails kids.
Author's reply
Growing up is painful at the best of times - but, when your other half wants to change and you don't, it must be hard. Loving them is always a good policy. So is standing back, but it's hard to do.
At least in a couple of centuries they'll be able to look back and smile about it.
daw the minstrel
· 10 January 2005
· Chapter 50: Fishing for Compliments
That does sound nice. At least for an elf. Living in the woods for a stretch of time would be a trial for me, I'm afraid. Sigh.
So Elrohir's twins are shaping up? Good.
Author's reply
One bit down point to stretches of time in the woods. Bugs. And sanitary facilities. Two big down points to stretches of time in the woods. Actually three - rain, sanitary facilities and bugs.
But elves contain a natural insect repellent - it's why they glow. They don't mind rain. They probably repel water, too - and dirt, (especially when it comes to hair). And they don't need to do . . . things. So that's why they love to spend time in the woods!
The twins are beginning to grow up a little. They are entering Phase 2 of elflinghood and discovering that other people matter, too.
SharonB
· 8 January 2005
· Chapter 50: Fishing for Compliments
LOL, how close has he been to both bear breath and orc armpits to know the smell? Another well written retreat for our three. And Elrohir's little elleyth are growing up, a whole month without casuing havoc. Soon they will be casuing a different havoc for dear old adar ... ellon!
After those trade negotiations I'm sure that Elrohir needed the break. We all need those things from time to time. It brings us back fresh to our responsibilities.
Author's reply
Pretty close, I suspect. Purely for reasons of military need, of course.
The ellyth are beginning to grow up a little. I think they are around 7 (HE) now - and I think that is a bit of a turning point. (I have a 7 / 14 / 21 theory to age - up to 7 the elflings can get away with more or less anything, because they are young and inexperienced and don't know any better, but expectations change and they are looked on differently at other stages. Aewlin and Nimloth are not stupid, just heedless, and they are entering the 'girl' rather than 'baby' stage. Just passing thoughts.)
Meetings - big shudder - Elrohir certainly needs a break. And I'm sure Elladan and Legolas will do their best to see he enjoys it.
Nilmandra
· 8 January 2005
· Chapter 50: Fishing for Compliments
‘I have my talents, but watching every word I say is not among them.’
I am apparently more like Elladan than Elrohir, though Elrohir's skill does not surprise me. I agree, they need to get away and spend some time in the woods! They are elves, after all, and this is supposed to be paradise (heck with trade negotiations...)
Author's reply
I think Elladan is good at running things - and probably very good at encouraging people to do their best for Team Elrond - but he hasn't got much patience with all that tact malarkey. A touch too impatient - I wonder who he gets it from? Tactful and diplomatic seem to be family qualities - although I can imagine that Galadriel was not necessarily the most patient of ellyth. She trained herself out of it though, whereas Elladan just hands that side of life over to Elrohir.
The more I think of Paradise, the more I wonder who organises the sewage.
elliska
· 8 January 2005
· Chapter 50: Fishing for Compliments
Loved the banter between the three at the beginning of this. I'm still chuckling. And I can definitely understand the desire to get into the wood for a while. I hope you take them there so I can live vicariously. :)
Author's reply
They all enjoy getting away so much - being elvish lads together in the woods. They are getting used to being grown up and responsible, but they need their space. I'm sure they will spend more time in the woods, but I don't know if it will make a whole story!
Thanks for reading.
Jay of Lasgalen
· 8 January 2005
· Chapter 50: Fishing for Compliments
Elrohir the diplomat and trade negotiator? His talents are endless! I'm not surprised that he needs to get away to relax.
As always, the banter and insults between the twins and Legolas are great. I liked the comments about bears and orcs: '‘Have you ever got close to a bear? Breath like an orc’s armpit.’ Like Elrohir, I'd really rather not get close enough to find out!
I hope they do all spend some time in the woods, and that you tell us of some of their adventures!
Jay
Author's reply
Well, Elrohir turned out in FH to be good at all the meeting-y kind of stuff that drives Elladan potty - and that makes a couple of months in the woods seem like a really good idea.
I should think they've been quite close to quite a lot of orc's armpits. Purely in the light of pursuing their business, of course.
There are quite a lot of possible stories building up. Do keep reminding me of those you want to read. I started a list somewhere, but I think I've lost it!
elliska
· 5 January 2005
· Chapter 49: Above the World
Loved this one too. So much fun to come home and get to read all these chapters that I missed. But as an avid bird watcher, I positively adored the last part of this where Legolas sees the butterflies and comments:
My eyes rejoice in the sight of many of these forest dwellers with their plumes of bright feathers, but my ears are delighted by the song of the seemingly insignificant small brown birds.’
about the birds. Those were lovely images and all too true to my experience. Great!
Author's reply
I'm glad you liked it. And the work of having to catch up on all the stories you've missed while away is fun, too. Although the withdrawal symptoms when you leave can be a bit painful.
Little brown birds are so difficult to see and identify - they're quick and conceal themselves (although I don't suppose elves would have much difficulty spotting them), but they do seem to have the sweetest songs.
SharonB
· 2 January 2005
· Chapter 49: Above the World
Ah, so nice to be back to reading again. We've been catching up on all that last weekend we could not do.
I can understand how that sort of climb might be worth it for the views. I had some of the same terror of heights when we went to Machu Pichu. The beauty does win you over once the terror starts to subside. I can imagine they would have a breathtaking view from up there. Much to enjoy if you can get up and down safely.
Does this make the twins realize more what their children might get into when they remember that there are things their father does not know they did? With some apparent consequences they were able to hide from him. LOL, perhaphs you need to start a "refelctions" journal for the elfings so "we" can find out what the twins and Legolas don't. ;-) Could they cause more havoc with Gandalf's fireworks than Merry and Pip? Now there could be an interesting tale.
Author's reply
The festive season certainly interrupts reading and writing schedules! Still, it's fun, though, to have everyone together for a while.
I wouldn't mind the height, I think, but I really wouldn't care for the climb - put in a swift elevator up the middle of the rock and I'd happily go up for a look.
I suspect E2L do know that their children will be up to all sorts of things - but perhaps, like Elrond, on occasion they would prefer to turn a blind eye. After all, once the brats have made it home safely, there's not too much point in worrying about it. Of course, I don't know if Elerrina, Miriwen or Sirithiel would look at it that way. Miriwen, perhaps - she's quite pragmatic (and Elrin is quite sensible - for an elfling). I suspect Elerrina might get angry, while Sirithiel would be horrified if she knew the details.
They really ought to meet Gandalf, ought they not! He should come and visit his old friends Elrond and Thranduil and catch up on the younger generation. Perhaps he should make an appearance in Elflings.
lwarren
· 1 January 2005
· Chapter 49: Above the World
I suppose it is God's way of preserving parental sanity that we are not aware of HALF of the "adventures" our offspring undertake while they're growing up. My daughter was married, with 2 children, before she ventured to tell me how she came to called "Stickerfoot" by her friends. *shudders* It only reinforces that old saying "what you don't know won't hurt you"! lol
This chapter is just another bright example of your descriptive capability, Bodkin...I loved E2L's first reaction to the view and the way one of the twins (I need to start taking notes!) says that during those first days in the Undying Lands, the sun rising was a cleansing fire burning away all the hurts of life in Middle-earth. The view of the canopy, with the flowers opening to the sun and the butterflies and the birds...*sigh*...lovely! Wonderful chapter!
linda
Author's reply
Much better not to know. Much, much better.
Unfortunately, E2L know exactly the sorts of things their little flowers will be up to - probably because they are still enjoying the same kind of activities themselves.
Glad you liked the description. I'm sure there will be more episodes along soon.
lwarren
· 1 January 2005
· Chapter 48: Climbing High
Ah, yes. Nail the elflings' doors shut and post a guard; that MIGHT keep them inside. And if you believe that, Legolas, I have some wonderful beachfront property in the Florida Everglades for you to buy.....:-) So daeradar Thranduil was able to put the fear of Iluvatar in the little ones...for awhile! *g*
Once again, hilarious banter between E2L. Of course, we climb a sheer cliff IN the dark "because it's there"!! Orc-brain! It had better be worth it or we will see if you are the first Wood-elf to have the capability of flight...*snicker* Yes, a flying Legolas boggles the mind!
Great, just great, Bodkin! *big smile of appreciation*
linda
Author's reply
They're just too enterprising for their own good, those elflings. Of course, a quick introduction to a Thranduil with retribution in mind was probably rather disconcerting - and he's had plenty of practice with keeping their adar in line.
The moon-path is only visible at night - probably at the right time of year, too, but why else would they choose to climb it? Glad you like their friendly chat!
lwarren
· 1 January 2005
· Chapter 47: From Dark to Light
*sniff* You have such a nice way with description, Bodkin. And with friendships...I dearly love the interaction between E2 and Legolas...alternately teasing and loving. The twins know when to comfort Legolas and when to tease him. Good friends, indeed!
Had to laugh at Narvi and the revelations about gender here...especially the dwarf thinking that Celebrimbor was female :-)! But the best lines were what Gimli told Legolas about the caves being gifts, and the backbone of the forest (oooooh, they were so good I was going to wait and write down my favorite lines later and then review, but I know me and something would prevent it from happening for another month!!!! So, I'll just paraphrase poorly...sorry :-( .) Anyway, you were right when you warned if I got teary reading the chapter before this one, just wait. Wonderful, poetic stuff!
linda
Author's reply
I'm glad you liked this one - it is one of my favourites, if I do say so myself. Tough little dwarves must have found ethereal elves quite disconcerting - especially when they saw them fighting.
E2L have a really comfortable relationship - of the sort where insults show love even more than courtesy and the best support is often totally wordless.
Jay of Lasgalen
· 31 December 2004
· Chapter 49: Above the World
Fifty chapters! That is a remarkable achievement. The descriptions in this chapter were beautiful, I nearly felt I was there.
An intriguing comment: ‘I suspect climbing up here could be one of those rites of passage young elves are only too ready to undertake.’
‘Although we know what happens when such challenges are accepted without due preparation, do we not, my twin?’ Elrohir commented.
Elladan may refuse to tell the tale, but you *have* to, Bodkin! You were kind enough to write what happened to Elrohir on a midnight excursion - tell us this, as well. Please!
‘How long do you think it will be before your son attempts this climb?’ Elrohir interjected hastily. Never mind Galenthil - how long will it be before Nimloth attempts it? I imagine she'd be first up the mountain!
Thank you for a lovely end-of-year present (or is it already New Year where you are?)
Jay
Author's reply
The thing is - because they are so short, (and nothing really happens apart from a bit of chat and teasing), they could probably go on until E2L are as old as Galadriel and Celeborn.
The rite of passage, huh? I'll have to wait until it comes to me!
Nimloth and Galenthil - I think they would lead the way, with Aewlin close behind and Eleniel and Elrin trying to avert disaster.
(New Year's Eve. About 6 pm.) I'm glad you liked it, Jay. Happy New Year to you!
daw the minstrel
· 31 December 2004
· Chapter 49: Above the World
Ah the things we do that we don't want our children to do. And the things they do that we don't know about and it's better that way!
Author's reply
Much, much better that way. Parental ignorance should be carefully preserved. Certainly once children get past the stage when you can do anything about it.
Mind you, fully adult, athletic elves doing a bit of free climbing - and a bunch of elflings attempting it - not quite the same thing. I don't think I'd feel too happy about the youngsters attempting this for the next fifty years or so.
Nilmandra
· 25 December 2004
· Chapter 48: Climbing High
The view sounds lovely....but I must say I like the idea of the elflings going before grand-adar to receive punishment. They don't know how tough Thranduil really was!
Elrohir's two should go before Galadriel :)
Author's reply
Poor Elrohir. I think the wild twins need to start growing out of it a bit soon, or he will be forced to bring in the heavy guns.
Thranduil has kept out of parenting Legolas's pair - I imagine he rather enjoys watching his son learn the hard way - but, given the right to act, I am sure he was, in Eleniel and Galenthil's eyes, unexpectedly stern. They are unlikely to mess with him again - at least until the memory has faded a little!
Nilmandra
· 25 December 2004
· Chapter 47: From Dark to Light
I really like the idea that Aule built the caves for his dwarves, special treasure houses for them. Very unique and shows again his love for the creatures he made.
Author's reply
Thank you. I think Aule would have a special interest in creating things for the dwarves - he is linked to them in a special way. As they are to him.
Dwarves do seem to have been a very private people - which is, I suppose, easier when you live underground in places which can be closed away from the rest of the world. It does make them interestingly mysterious.
Jay of Lasgalen
· 23 December 2004
· Chapter 48: Climbing High
I liked Legolas's comment about climbing the mountain 'because it was there'. Now, where have I heard that before??
I think, however, that Elladan was wrong - surely his own grandmother, Elwing, was the first (half)elf to develop the power of flight? I'm glad that the view was so breathtaking, so he did not feel the need to test his theory ;)
Jay
Author's reply
Elves can do cliche!
Good point - although does turning into a bird count? I've inserted a word!
It was truly breathtaking, but I don't think you'd get me climbing up there to find out. The journey would have been far too terrifying to anyone but an elf. Or a roughly 78% elf.