Nilmandra
· 6 September 2004
· Chapter 35: Having a Ball
You know, fathers around the world have favored this approach for millenia. IT works well, children survive and at least their sons pick up the habit :-)
However,I must admit, the mothers are the ones who ensure the children can dance and behave properly, and that is simportant, especially if the naneths wish to be come daernaneths.
I think Elladan likely dances better than he lets on, too. :D
Author's reply
(Do you know, the next episode had absolutely nothing to do with this, but I just couldn't resist a little insertion - coming soon. . .)
I do think there is a lot to be said for the selective blind eye treatment or as my mother used to call it 'doing a Nelson'.
I like to picture Elrin dancing with his naneth. I can hear the voice Elladan used when he was asking her, too. That weary, resigned, slightly incredulous tone that lets you know that he will not be happy if taken up on the offer. I am sure he can dance perfectly well - his naneth will have seen to it!
lwarren
· 4 September 2004
· Chapter 35: Having a Ball
hehehehehe! Never, never, NEVER turn your back on elflings...or young sprouts of any kind!! What is it with Adas anyway? I learned early on in motherhood that my husband was totally oblivious to the "possibilities" of mischief our 3 kids could get into...in just under 5 seconds! lol E2 and Legolas are going to be in SO much trouble if those little rascally elflings have more than just pastries under that table! ;-)
I loved the conversation between Elrohir and Elladan about dancing (or the lack of dancing skill!)...and the way the twins and Legolas interact with each other
is, as always, hilarious! Great stress reliever from other horizons, and a terrific little vignette to go with this whole collection!
linda
Author's reply
Do you think it is partly the knowledge that if they do it badly, they might not have to look after them next time? Or is it the inability to multi-task?
I'm rather afraid that the elflings may have 'liberated' a quantity of wine - their adars will be in so much trouble if they have!
I will bet Elladan did the asking Miriwen to dance thing that really let her know that he didn't want to and would sulk if she made him. I can visualise him dancing in the woods - but not really enjoying the formal kind of ball.
I love writing these - all that is necessary is to put them somewhere and let them get started.
Jay of Lasgalen
· 3 September 2004
· Chapter 35: Having a Ball
Much as I love the complexities of 'Far Horizons', I like the light-heartedness of this story just as much. The image of E2 worrying about what their children are up to is great.
But poor, sweet, innocent Elladan: ‘They really cannot get up to much while they are under a table,’ *VBG* Has he forgotten the sort of things he and Elrohir did? I bet there is at least a bottle of wine under there as well as the pastries!
Jay
Author's reply
Yes, I can just see them getting sozzled out of their tiny elven skulls on stolen wine. Their Adars will think they are just happy - right until the naneths come along and haul them out!
They think that, because the staff are handing them pastries, they cannot have any contraband down there - but naneths know better.
This is all so delightfully frivolous - with absolutely no need for plots. It has the potential to see them beyond grandparenthood really. (Though maybe not!)
Ellie
· 3 September 2004
· Chapter 35: Having a Ball
Delightful! Poor El the poor dancer!
Author's reply
I could just see him making the offer in the kind of voice that makes it perfectly clear that he will dance, but he really doesn't want to and he will never let you forget how much he suffered for you.
Elrin would be a much better prospect.
daw the minstrel
· 3 September 2004
· Chapter 35: Having a Ball
Bad adas! LOL. I have to admit that I took refuge in ignorance a couple of times myself, and I was really glad when my son went away to college and I didn't have to know everything he got up to.
Author's reply
Very naughty - adas that is. The staff seem to know the elflings are there - so hopefully they are only feeding them cake, and they haven't got hold of the wine.
Yes, it's amazing how you relax when you don't know what time they are getting in and quite how much they are imbibing.
Anonymous
· 3 September 2004
· Chapter 35: Having a Ball
What a fun little light chapter. These poor elves undoubtedly need a little fun after all the intrigue they must suffer. I wonder what they have under the table. I'm sure that, given their parentage, they are up to no good. :)
Author's reply
It must be awfully stressful to be a character adored by fans! My strongest sympathies lie with Legolas who seems to go through A LOT, but the twins suffer too!
I just hope they haven't got hold of the Valinorean equivalent of the Dorwinion. I think the proud adars were reassured a bit when they saw the staff feeding them treats.
Ellie
· 20 August 2004
· Chapter 34: Elfling Power
Now that I've started reading the gap fillers about Legolas and the twins, I'm hooked on them and this fic, too. I still think you write very well. Keep up the good work! I've about caught up on all of your delightful little fics.
Author's reply
This one started off as just a single thought about how bored the twins and Legolas would be with nothing to fight - and it has just grown and grown.
You want more to read? I must get writing! I'm focusing mainly on Far Horizons at the moment, because it's getting complicated, but I'll see what I can do.
Shemyaza
· 17 August 2004
· Chapter 34: Elfling Power
Heh! Oh I can sooooo relate to this chapter. I just had my rather beautiful five year old grandson to stay and he did exactly the same things to get his own way. Emotional blackmail! Not just elfling but kiddie power! I find it much harder to be strong with him than I did with his father! Grandmothers are obviously push-overs.
Author's reply
Children are so talented at making you feel an absolute heel for saying no to them. You can do it as a parent - you develop an element of immunity - but grandparents!! You can even watch cynically as they do it, and still fall victim.
I think daughters are particularly good at manipulating their fathers - (and some say mothers are suckers for their sons).
Good luck with your grandson!
daw the minstrel
· 16 August 2004
· Chapter 34: Elfling Power
Poor Elrohir! It's a good thing his wife is firm or his little hellions would be into more trouble that he can imagine. Legolas's idea is a good one. A cat would be excellent!
Author's reply
I searched my brain for something other than mice - Red-y, Green-y, Blue-y and Brown-y were spectres before my eyes. But although I can see mice in the Blessed Realm, I cannot picture hamsters, or lemmings, or gerbils or anything else small and furry.
I don't think Adars are very good at dealing with little daughters once they have begun to come into their Powers. (Of course, Daeradars are even worse!)
Cats would be better. Rather less trouble and longer lived.
Jay of Lasgalen
· 14 August 2004
· Chapter 33: Hanging Around
These elves seem very good at getting themselves into all sorts of trouble. I hope that the flood waters go down before too long - a night up a tree sounds uncomfortable (for the twins at least; Legolas seems quite happy!) And going back a couple of chapters, I love the way Nimloth seems to terrorise poor Elrohir - does he really deserve her? BTW, do elves get grey hair? I think he will before long!
Jay
Author's reply
Well - if they were good at sitting at home and reading books in Elrond's library, they wouldn't be very good candidates for stories! They will probably get home just in time to get in trouble.
Nimloth - probably takes after her great-grandmother! No, probably Elladan deserves her more, but that's heredity for you! (I think Nimloth means white flower! Doesn't fit her terribly well.) She will outgrow it - in a century or two. Maybe.
lwarren
· 12 August 2004
· Chapter 33: Hanging Around
LOL! Those three - up a tree in a flood on the evening of a huge reception they are expected to attend! :-) Some things will never change (thank you, God!) I thoroughly enjoyed the discussions of the past troubles (How many times has my Adar had to patch you up? *vbg*), but the descriptions of how their wives handled them so differently, yet effectively...that was the best!! Legolas and his "the best part is making up" take on the whole matter...hehehehehe...Great addition! :):):):):0
linda
Author's reply
It would happen to them, wouldn't it? Well, if everything started to go smoothly and they behaved like proper grown-ups, it would all get very boring.
I think Sirithiel could be one of those to make people feel guilty when they upset her (not my favourite method of dealing with anyone). Although I expect Elrohir can manage her - he's quite clever at managing people.
Making up with Legolas - what a hardship!
Rose Sared
· 12 August 2004
· Chapter 33: Hanging Around
One would almost suspect him of provoking his good wife just so they could enjoy the making up bit. LOL.
Lovely
Rose
Author's reply
Or his good wife of getting mad with him for the pleasure of making up? Sounds good to me.
Thanks.
Nilmandra
· 12 August 2004
· Chapter 33: Hanging Around
A little bit of trouble does seem to follow them, doesn't it? And they are very well managed by their wives, I think. Somehow I suspect that said wives will determine leaving them in charge of five children is an unthinkable disaster waiting to happen. Then again, they may well figure if these three are still alive, they can keep there progeny alive too :p
Author's reply
Always in trouble, one way or another. Putting them in charge of the children could be a bit of a relief with 'may the best elf win' overtones. I think they all enjoy each other's company - which is a good thing.
daw the minstrel
· 12 August 2004
· Chapter 33: Hanging Around
I love it that these three strong warriors are occasionally punished by their wives! Of course,I'm not sure how seriously they take the punishment. Legolas at least seems to enjoy the whole cycle of fighting and making up. Thranduil is certainly a wily one.
Author's reply
Wives can be very good at making their husbands aware of their misdemeanours and penalising them in inventive ways. I think they are still close enough to the stage of 'young love' to enjoy the disputes and making up. And anyone brought up by Thranduil is unlikely to be intimidated by Elerrina.
lwarren
· 7 August 2004
· Chapter 32: Toxophilia
Every one of these little vignettes are so informative, as well as entertaining. They show so much about the little everyday conversations/events in the lives of Elrohir, Elladan, and Legolas, while we get the more complicated, action/political problems from that other extremely good story you are working on. But these little insights into life in Valinor are priceless, and this chapter was no exception - I have thoroughly enjoyed watching these three develop from the nervous new adas to the "somewhat" more confidant adas of this entry. So we have a swap-an-elfling deal going, do we? Sounds logical...kids often listen to and behave better for those not of the parent persuasion!!!! (LOL at least mine always did!) I do so look forward to updates on BOTH of your stories...and you do them in such a timely fashion!!! :-) Thank you for all these enjoyable reads (and I have made myself promise to review more often...should be easier with school starting...I'll have access to a computer every day!) Well done, as usual! :-):-):-)
linda
Author's reply
I am glad you are enjoying the tales!
Poor E2L - their lives seem to be becoming overcome by banality. When they start to discuss the weather, we will know they have really reached the point of no return!
I think Elrohir needs a bit of a break when it comes to dealing with Nimloth - she seems to have a good bit of her great-grandmother in her!
It will be rather good if the elflings can grow up as close as their adars.
Rose Sared
· 7 August 2004
· Chapter 32: Toxophilia
Well I had to go and look it up! LOL. One would have thought it was only toxic to those on the receiving end - who thinks up these ph names?
Swop a child day, huh? Since I am hosting someone else's problem child for six months I can well understand the impulse. I wonder what the word is for fools rush in ... etc.
Nice tale continues
Rose
Author's reply
It's a lovely word. Like trisdecaphobia. If that's how you spell it.
There's a lot to be said for exchanging children - it's probably one of the reasons grandparents cope with them (that and the indulgence). You sound very brave - six months can seem a long time.
Thank you for reading.
daw the minstrel
· 7 August 2004
· Chapter 32: Toxophilia
These three are remarkably good fathers, although I suppose that is not surprising, given that their own fathers were good. I like the way they each see the strengths and weaknesses of their children and are willing to let them be. Elrohir is still amusing me with his wild child girls.
Author's reply
Parenting skills tend to reflect what you have learned from experience. I would think these three are very happy to know that their sons will not have to face the duties that they did as they grew to adulthood.
Poor Elrohir - he really doesn't deserve his twins. Although, on reflection, perhaps this is all that twin mischief coming home to roost. And with his grandmother, perhaps he shouldn't be too surprised.
I think Legolas is saved from quite so much hassle because his twins are opposite genders - Galenthil is probably keener to spend time with the ellyn.
daw the minstrel
· 3 August 2004
· Chapter 31: Holiday
Happy birthday, Bodkin! You have the same birthday as Stories of Arda!
Author's reply
Perhaps that is significant - or maybe not.
I've just spent hours listening to my mother reviewing my day of birth again. It wasn't as entertaining as Legolas's.
Thank you for your good wishes.
Author Reply: PS: I'm older. A lot older.
OakWolf
· 3 August 2004
· Chapter 1: First Impressions
Nothing like bored elves and aesthetically pleasing fish,I always say.Top notch Bodkin,Top notch!
Author's reply
How about aesthetically pleasing elves and bored fish?
Glad you liked it. This started as a one-off - I think I've got a bit carried away.
daw the minstrel
· 3 August 2004
· Chapter 31: Holiday
So Thranduil is not a good sailor?? LOL. Poor guy. There's nothing more miserable than sea sickness, especially on a week long trip.
I like the idea of Galadriel and Thranduil as indulgent (great)grandparents.
It really is amazing how people can "cast unnecessary shadows over their lives" and I don't mean just in your story.
Author's reply
Never partial to the sea, Thranduil - preferred the forests. Sea sickness is vile - I always take pills, just in case. Perhaps he should have been drinking ginger tea.
Grandparent and great grandparents have a right to spoil the little ones - and look on in amusement as the cotton candy makes them sick and the late nights make them fretful. (I can see Galadriel finding it VERY AMUSING.)
Most of one's problems are augmented by worries and neuroses, I find. Faced up to, many problems resolve themselves. (Guess who should be working instead of writing about elves - but hey, it's my birthday, I'm entitled.)
Jay of Lasgalen
· 27 July 2004
· Chapter 30: Safety First
A thousand apologies for troubling you with a second review! It occurs to me that in the absence of orcs, injuries happen in the course of rescuing elflings - Legolas saves his wife's nephew and ends up half drowned, Elrohir falls down a cliff rescuing his own daughter. When is it Elladan's turn? Which elfling will be imperilled next time?
Jay
Author's reply
Of course - I never looked at it that way. Elflings/orcs, orcs/elflings - much the same thing really. (Especially once they get hit by what Daw called testosterone poisoning.)
It is Elladan's turn for adventure/peril/pain, isn't it. Must bear that in mind!!
Review as many times as you like. It makes it into conversation.
Rose Sared
· 27 July 2004
· Chapter 30: Safety First
HA ha, in the voice of Bart Simpson.
Poor ducky, but I guess what comes around and all that. Most enjoyable as always.
thanks for a lift at the end of a hair pulling out day.
Rose
Author's reply
I hope tomorrow will be a better day, Scarlett.
I feel for Elrohir - I see him as the more reasonable twin, yet he is the one with reckless offspring, while Elladan got a sensible son. There's no justice. It might have something to do with pairs, winding each other up and always there for the other to spark off.
Thank you for reading.
Elena Tiriel
· 26 July 2004
· Chapter 30: Safety First
This chapter gave me a giggle fit!
‘You look like Adar,’ his brother commented. ‘I had no idea until recently that it was we two who put that expression of weary anxiety on his face. I had thought it was more to do with the Dark Lord....'
What a shock! What former children could ever imagine that their younger selves could be just as devastating to their parents as the Dark Lord? *big grin*
‘Daernaneth just laughs, and says that they will learn,’ Elrohir moaned, wincing as he pushed himself carefully to his feet. ‘Daeradar looks at her in that way he has and adds, ‘in time’.
Oh, boy, is that funny! You have a lovely understated, dry sense of humor that gets me every time...
Great story, Bodkin! Please keep it coming!
- Barbara
P.S. Of course, my enjoyment might be heightened by the fact that I, personally, have never been responsible for keeping children safe...
Author's reply
Well - Dark Lords don't live with you - their evil is remote and all their enemies fight together against them. Twin sons on the other hand . . .
I think Celeborn has been watching Galadriel learn for several millennia - and he still feels she can be headstrong and reckless. Elrohir had better develop patience!
There's not too much to keeping most children safe most of the time. The trouble is that it only takes a few seconds of inattention once to allow disaster to happen. Still, parents mostly survive the experience.
daw the minstrel
· 26 July 2004
· Chapter 30: Safety First
How funny! Elrohir's daughters are little hellions! Oh excuse me. They are adventuresome little tykes who are a delight to have around. Teehee. Maybe they need some pet mice?
Author's reply
Mice would be good. - Is Red-y free? Or how about rats? Or maybe they could be keen on snakes. (Although according to the timelines, Red-y could probably have billions of descendents by now. And I bet a lot of them made the trip to the Undying Lands on those Grey Ships.)
It seems slightly unfair that the less reckless and more considered twin should have the little terrors, while Elladan has a sensible son, but that's heredity!
Jay of Lasgalen
· 26 July 2004
· Chapter 30: Safety First
Eek! Poor Elrohir - he fell down a cliff! I love the sound of his daughters from hell, though I'm glad they're not mine. I can imagine how terrified his family were when he fell, but thank goodness Nimloth was unhurt. Perhaps the thought that her ada could have been killed will teach her sense? No, I thought not.
Jay
Author's reply
Poor Elrohir indeed! Suffers a lot, that poor elf! His twins are more than paying him back for his youthful antics. Shame Elladan's son seems to have turned out to be quite well-behaved - I put it down to his mother, who seems to have amazing sense and a good sense of humour.
I think it will take more than avoiding death by inches to help Nimloth develop any kind of sense. (Too many senses here.) I rather like the irony of White-Flower being such a little terror.