Reflections from the Paradise of Elves by Bodkin

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daw the minstrel · 12 June 2004 · Chapter 12: Making Whoopee

Ah yes, the maidens can frighten them if they choose to. I enjoyed this. I hope Legolas has many more opportunities to kiss his sweetheart. I hate the thought of how alone he was for so long.

Author's reply

I don't know what males think females are doing when they are not around! The ellyth can be quite scary if they put their minds to it. I wonder if E, E and L think about other times they might have needed to operate mutual defence to protect themselves. Probably not. I'm sure his married friends will ensure he gets plenty of opportunities for a bit of fun - the wives can legitimately act as chaperones for them without cramping their style. Yes, he has been a long time getting her - but Glorfindel has had even longer!

Nilmandra · 12 June 2004 · Chapter 12: Making Whoopee

Oh, Elrohir is married, and now it appears Legolas is going to get his wish. Silly elf...if only he had known he merely had to nearly kill himself saving her life they could have planned this long ago :-) And Thranduil in collusion? I love it! That wiley old elf will ensure his son is happily married!

Author's reply

Sorry about leaving Elrohir's wedding out, but it was getting a bit too matrimonial. Yes, typical way for Legolas to solve his problem - it was one way to get them all under the same roof and talking to each other. Thranduil is tough, but I don't think he is prepared for the wiles of pretty maidens. I can see him crumbling fairly quickly - and once he is on their side, they will find it much easier to get to the wedding.

Jay of Lasgalen · 12 June 2004 · Chapter 12: Making Whoopee

So Elrohir is also happily married now? What a shame we missed the wedding! I love the idea that Thranduil can withstand Sauron and the Nazgul in Dol Guldur, but is no match for a pretty elleth. So he's been won over, but I think it's sad that her family are so disapproving still - and rather prudish if they think Legolas just kissing her is so bad! He's too honourable to have been doing anything else. Jay

Author's reply

I am sorry - I wanted to have Elrohir's wedding, but it could have got a bit monotonous with all of them following on from one another. It went well - there were no major problems, and he was ecstatically happy. It has helped him regain something that he lost in his relationship with Elladan - now they both know the joys of being married and they are on equal terms again. (I suspect Legolas's nuptials might make it to the page.) Thranduil strikes me as rather a macho-elf. I can see him able to withstand everything except the wiles of his womenfolk. I think it will take a lot for her family to become reconciled - they seem quite a stiff lot. I always feel that the whole society of Middle Earth, (including the elves in Valinor), is a bit old-fashioned - goes with the long gowns and the men in robes - and that their standards of behaviour are probably old-fashioned and conventional too. Which would mean that getting your elleth on her own for a bit of 'leisure activity' would probably be frowned on. Of course Legolas wouldn't do anything he shouldn't!! Author Reply: I am sorry - I wanted to have Elrohir's wedding, but it could have got a bit monotonous with all of them following on from one another. It went well - there were no major problems, and he was ecstatically happy. It has helped him regain something that he lost in his relationship with Elladan - now they both know the joys of being married and they are on equal terms again. (I suspect Legolas's nuptials might make it to the page.) Thranduil strikes me as rather a macho-elf. I can see him able to withstand everything except the wiles of his womenfolk. I think it will take a lot for her family to become reconciled - they seem quite a stiff lot. I always feel that the whole society of Middle Earth, (including the elves in Valinor), is a bit old-fashioned - goes with the long gowns and the men in robes - and that their standards of behaviour are probably old-fashioned and conventional too. Which would mean that getting your elleth on her own for a bit of 'leisure activity' would probably be frowned on. Of course Legolas wouldn't do anything he shouldn't!! Author Reply: Drat. Clicked twice. Sorry.

nat · 12 June 2004 · Chapter 12: Making Whoopee

he he he making whopee...i love that song...oh yeah the fics awesome too!! i hope we soon find out more about the blushing brides!!

Author's reply

The brides are making their presence felt a bit more - but they won't have a huge role, except in the eyes of their loving husbands. Glad you are enjoying it.

Jay of Lasgalen · 10 June 2004 · Chapter 11: Taking Advantage

Me again - replying to *your* reply to someone else's review! You said about Legolas's nurse: 'Better than being stuck in bed being looked after by the twins, anyway.' From his point of view, maybe. There are those of us who'd disagree! Jay ;)

Author's reply

Yes - but Legolas Isn't Like That, OK? He wouldn't get any especial thrill from being tended by the sons of Elrond! His delectable elleth would be infinitely preferable. (Although I see your point!!!)

Rose Sared · 10 June 2004 · Chapter 11: Taking Advantage

Te hee, the sorta ultimate 'always look on the bright side of life' conversation. Lucky girl, I know my imagination always wants to look after injured elf. Time for much getting to know you I would think. Ha. Continuing to enjoy this a lot Rose

Author's reply

At least the prospect of getting the girl would be some compensation for being flat on his back with broken limbs yet again. It probably doesn't hurt that her soft hands are helping with the care or that her sweet voice is consoling his pain, too. Better than being stuck in bed being looked after by the twins, anyway. I imagine she is rather enjoying it as well - as long as she can manage to escape relatives determined to ensure that nothing happens! Hopefully, he will take advantage of the situation - he is a warrior, he knows how to use others' weaknesses.

daw the minstrel · 9 June 2004 · Chapter 11: Taking Advantage

Ah! The old caring for the sick and helpless routine. Good thinking, guys! Too bad he actually had to get hurt to make it happen. And the one piece of advice that I thought was most sound was to move fast enough that the parents don't have time to get on one another's nerves.

Author's reply

Yes - the sooner they do the betrothal equivalent of signing on the dotted line and Thranduil is hustled out of there the better. Legolas is sufficiently motivated to continue being conciliatory - and he can always pretend to faint when matters get too stressful, but I can't see the Woodland King managing to keep his temper for long once he knows his little Greenleaf will be fine. This lot would need something cataclysmic to shake them - trust the twins to see this is Legolas's chance.

Jules · 9 June 2004 · Chapter 11: Taking Advantage

Another fun chapter. Time for sneaky Legolas. I can't wait to see what hapens next. Thanks for writing Jule

Author's reply

He would need a moment of sneakiness to shift their parents - nothing like a life debt and a bed of sickness to weaken - momentarily - both sides. Elladan and Elrohir are quick to see he has an advantage to use here. Fingers crossed for them!

Jay of Lasgalen · 9 June 2004 · Chapter 11: Taking Advantage

Ouch, poor Legolas! That must hurt. But I would love to hear more of what he did, and the circumstances. Trust the twins to see advantage to the situation, though! No doubt when Legolas is feeling better, he will make his move ... Jay

Author's reply

Poor Legolas undergoes a lot of physical torment - I would say he should be used to it, but I suspect pain remains painful, with the disadvantage that experience lets you know it won't end soon. I hope he gets round the parents before they realise that the only reason he can have been there to save the elfling was because he was sneaking in a secret visit to their daughter. Good for the twins, I say. Legolas is a bit too confused at the moment to realise he has a temporary advantage and he needs to nail them down quickly, before Thranduil stops worrying and starts to snap.

daw the minstrel · 7 June 2004 · Chapter 10: Time Off

Lovely chapter. I liked the detail of what they did as they approached the camp. It was very realistic to me that their old habits would die hard. I also liked Elladan's pleasure at the memory of his "warm wife." I have to say that these three are falling one by one, like dominoes.

Author's reply

I don't think the twins are even realising that they are doing it. Legolas has been in the Blessed Realm longer - and has begun to see the sadness of always being prepared for battle. But that's what warriors do - I don't expect they'll change. Elladan is still full of the joy of marriage, although now they are bonded, he is able to deal with the outside world rather better. But he looks forward to going home. These buddy groups do tend to go down quickly once they start to fall. But they have chosen well and I think their wives will let them out to play.

Jay of Lasgalen · 7 June 2004 · Chapter 10: Time Off

Ah, so Elrohir is about to follow in his brother's footsteps! He finally got to grips with his blonde elleth. I *loved* Elladan's comment about 'wait till you try it' - he's very happily married, isn't he? There was something sad about the way their camp was set up so defensively - old habits die hard. Two down, one to go! Jay

Author's reply

Yes, Elrohir is such a sweet elf, she couldn't possibly have withstood him for long, even if she had wanted to. Elladan is ecstatically happy - I love the way the fear (needs an umlaut on the a) of elves twine together when they marry and they become part of each other. He looks forward to Elrohir having the joy he is experiencing - and sympathises with Legolas, who is having problems (not with the elleth, but with their families). Legolas sees the sadness of their automatic expectation of danger - he has been there longer and his pain has perhaps been more assuaged by the peace of the Blessed Realm. But they are warriors - and being prepared is part of them. Actually, I sometimes wonder how they would react to the presence of another in their bed on first marrying - would they wake up automatically going for their dagger, assuming that anything that close was a threat? That could be a little off-putting!

Rose Sared · 7 June 2004 · Chapter 10: Time Off

Yeah right! I suspect Thrandy and Leggy are the original immovable object and irresistible force thingy. Imortality is unlikely to be long enough to get them to agree. Nice emotions, lovely conversation. More, more. Rose

Author's reply

Weeeeeelllll, I'm not so sure of that. Thranduil loves his little elfling very much; he just always thinks he knows best. If Legolas could get him to think it's his idea, he might be onto a winner. But I suppose if you have forever, there's not that much of a rush. In one of these little chats, one of the twins asked why Legolas didn't marry before his father arrived - and Legolas thought it would be cheating. That's just the sort of elf he is - likes to do the honourable thing. So in a way, he deserves the pain. This could go on for ever - it's the joy of keeping every bit so short. It started with absolutely no story at all, but the responses have definitely had me focusing on the love lives of our own dear elves, and they just seem to pop up full grown. Thank you for your kind words. (And keep Aragorn mad! It suits him.)

daw the minstrel · 5 June 2004 · Chapter 9: Adjustments

This was interesting. I wonder if Elladan really will 'return' in the same way he was before. Elrohir really can't be first with him any more and he will have things he shares only with his wife and that's as it should be. But I can see why Elrohir is in pain. I had to laugh about the fishing trip.

Author's reply

He won't. He can't, can he? He's not the same person he was before. But then, neither will Elrohir be. These life-changing events take some getting used to. And it's always easier to be the one who is moving on, rather than the one who is left behind. This trio of elves seem to have spent little time learning to understand females and they were all deprived of a mother when young(ish). Then Arwen spent lots of time with her grandmother. I don't know they've fully grasped the Venus/Mars thing. But they will learn. I think they would all blossom in the loving care of a wise elleth.

Jay of Lasgalen · 5 June 2004 · Chapter 9: Adjustments

Ah, poor Elrohir - I knew he'd miss his twin! But as Legolas said, they've been together for a very long time. It must be strange at first. And he has even less idea on how to win the heart of his lady than Legolas does - perhaps a long talk with Elladan will cure both problems! Jay

Author's reply

Give the elf a break - he's downhearted at the moment. Once he snaps out of it, he'll be fine. He's probably much better at being considerate and thoughtful than Elladan. And Legolas's problem is not really his elleth - it's their families.

Nilmandra · 4 June 2004 · Chapter 8: Changes

They grow up so soon! They were just little elflings a few thousand years ago, and now look at this - Elladan is married and Elrohir soon to be, I think, and even Thranduil will get over himself so Legolas can slay fake dragons and not real ones. Ah, I am content. The bachelors of middle-earth have found true love. I must go check on Glorfindel. I hope he realizes he can set aside watching over them now and find a nice Vanya elleth for himself :D

Author's reply

The sweet little mites! At least it will give them something to do now there is an orc and spider shortage. And protect them from lustful ellyth. Though married life could prove rather more complicated than they would hope. Yes, Glorfindel should find someone to take his mind off the Balrog. And Erestor. And Haldir. After all - all those ellyth who have been waiting patiently in the Blessed Realm are entitled to their fun!

daw the minstrel · 4 June 2004 · Chapter 8: Changes

Well, Elladan is happy and Elrohir looks as if he could be made so, but Legolas is still struggling. I suppose that even in paradise there are still problems, especially if you put families together.

Author's reply

Consider the families! Strong-willed doesn't begin to cover it. At least, as elves, they do have plenty of time - there is no need to win over your family quickly, they can spend centuries on the project. (Not that they will.) And perceptions of paradise must vary considerably, depending on who is looking to be made happy. I cannot imagine that it would mean the same thing even to fairly sensible elves like Elrond and Thranduil, let alone elves like Oropher and the sons of Feanor. There must be a need for compromise. In fact, there would probably be huge problems between elves just arriving and those who have always been there. (We just don't do things that way here.) (Immigrants! They come here; take over our streets, get all the best jobs, marry our womenfolk. . .) (It's not that I have anything against you personally, but you can't trust these new arrivals, especially those Silvan elves - they are just not like us.)

Jay of Lasgalen · 4 June 2004 · Chapter 8: Changes

I love Thranduil's description of Galadriel! I think he could be right, too. I like Elrohir and Legolas both talking about their loves - I think everything will work out, and they will be very happy. But despite his words, I think Elrohir will miss Elladan at first. I do hope that Elladan's selected partners are the two I hope they are! Jay

Author's reply

Yes, they are. Elladan has been moving around in a bit of a haze, but he's not completely lost the plot. Elrohir will miss his brother terribly. It doesn't matter how physically close they will still be, the relationship will inevitably change. It will take Elladan some time to adjust, I would think, but, as the one moving on, it will be easier for him than for Elrohir. But he could hardly express his doubts, could he? He had to be the brave little soldier for his brother. At least he is in love, which will give him something else to think about. I can remember several times, when life-changing events were about to happen - marriage, birth of first child and so on) - when I would have like to stop time, but you can't and the path of life shifts. This is one of their life-changing moments. I like Galadriel, too. She might be a bit scary, but, despite the fact that elves are supposed to be a bit more egalitarian, she is still a woman in a man's world, and the only way to do that is to be ten times stronger than your colleagues. I think Thranduil finds that very threatening.

Rose Sared · 4 June 2004 · Chapter 8: Changes

oo,oo, oo, jumps up and down in the seat of her chair, no! I want to meet the blessed girl, all that description and we still havn't met her. oo, oo. Soon, please for the sake of the upholstery, update! Rose

Author's reply

Huge apologies. The bad news is - they will probably get all the way to grandelflings and you never will meet her. The good news is - you can make of her what you want. Maybe another tale will bring her in as a real life (imaginary) elleth, but I am afraid the only intended participants in these conversations are Elladan, Elrohir and Legolas. Everything is seen through their eyes and heard from their mouths as they spend quality boy time together. The ellyth don't even have names. Yet.

Nilmandra · 31 May 2004 · Chapter 7: In Vino Veritas

Elladan got Legolas's elleth? I love it! How cute he is, and obstinate, apparently as well. Legolas's family difficult? No....poor princeling. They should be happy he is hunting something other than orcs and spiders! And Elrohir is in love with a blonde? Elrond is going to be happy to marry those two off (finally!). He needs grandelflings.

Author's reply

Grandelflings is such a wonderful word. I love it. Would they be daerelflings? And the way I say that (dunno if it's right) that would make them sound like dire-elflings - and that takes us back to the mischievous trouble-making little monkeys that the three of them deserve! I picture Legolas's romance as being, shall we say, difficult. I think he wouldn't be able to resist the challenge. Any elf (especially a Thranduilion) who decides to be best friends with a dwarf would clearly not choose to fall in love with adar's favourite prospective daughter-in-law. I think Elrohir would like blonde - after all, his maternal line is decidedly fair-haired.

OakWolf · 30 May 2004 · Chapter 6: Heart's Desire

hmmm......Thranduil must have thrown a fit when it came to Gimili.Really,you must give the elf a love life that's more then pining,give him a break!

Author's reply

He deserves to be happy, doesn't he! However, happiness is artistically much less satisfying. And Legolas doesn't seem one to settle for anything less than perfection. Maybe one day. . .

Jay of Lasgalen · 30 May 2004 · Chapter 7: In Vino Veritas

Hmm - I would *love* to hear some more tales of Legolas and the twins in vain pursuit of females! (Silly ellyth - fancy turning any of them down!) I like Elladan getting drunk before his wedding - I hope that will be the subject of the next chapter. And what of Elrohir's blonde? I want to hear more. Jay

Author's reply

That would be fun, wouldn't it! Different thread, though. Have to start another. I suspect the main reason for turning any of them down would be a reluctance to be 'just a number in their little black book'. (I was going to say 'notch on the bedpost', but elves are not like that!) I hope they let me in on some more soon. Wedding, maybe! Blonde, almost certainly. Perhaps even Legolas's love.

daw the minstrel · 30 May 2004 · Chapter 7: In Vino Veritas

Drunk twins are highly entertaining, although I don't know how amused the bride is going to be. Legolas and Elrohir are still being cagy, I see.

Author's reply

They will have sobered up by the wedding. They have until the following evening. They might need a few cups of Elrond's special headache tea, but they will be all right. And the bride - (Miriwen?)- and Elladan will have eyes for no-one but each other. They will continue to be cagy I suspect - especially Legolas, who is having a difficult time.

Lindelea · 30 May 2004 · Chapter 7: In Vino Veritas

O my, an Elven bachelor party. I never imagined... Legolas, ladies' man... er... excuse me... ellyths' Elf? Entertaining, the perfect nightcap at the end of a long, tiring day. Thanks!

Author's reply

Glad you liked it. Every female seems to spend their time making eyes at Legolas - he must have taken some advantage, and left some very frustrated ellyth behind him. And I can't see these three turning down an excuse for a party!

Lindelea · 30 May 2004 · Chapter 6: Heart's Desire

"You are slightly better able to hold a conversation..." LOL. Besotted elves. What a concept.

Author's reply

A race that includes Elwe? Besotted must just describe some of them!

Lindelea · 30 May 2004 · Chapter 5: What if. . .?

Oh, lovely, bittersweet chapter! Legolas sighed and turned his back, lifting his face to the sun and closing his eyes. ‘The Dark Lord in control of Middle Earth; Men reduced to slavery; Dwarves and Hobbits wiped out; the Elves in flight, waiting for the final attack as the forces of the Shadow proliferate like maggots in the corpse of Arda?’ How clear Legolas' vision is! I caught my breath at this speech. The ending is comforting. "Her song goes on" indeed.

Author's reply

I think Arwen was an absolutely necessary part of the fight - even though she just hung around and did girly things - because she provided the backbone and gave Aragorn the reason to fight. I also feel that Elrond and Galadriel knew she was the sacrifice - because otherwise she would have been in Imladris changing little Estel's smelly diapers/nappies. Can you think of a bigger turn-off than that! I was thinking of the traditional tale 'All for the want of a horse-shoe nail'. Without that one small element, everything led to disaster. This one is less - pointless? - than the rest. But that is how it came.