Sparkling conversation, displays of wit...these are not just "lookers" but "thinkers" as well.
Elladan raising the bar and his brother topping him was a hoot. "Fighting dragons with a wooden spoon" indeed!
And "orc brain"--what an insult! After all the orcs they've fought...
Delightful.
Author's reply
Thank you. It brought me a recollection of the 'we lived in a cardboard box' sketch from Monty Python. These three can play at so many levels - and turn round and be lords and diplomats.
They can insult each other - but no-one else had better think he can come in on the game!
Glad you liked it.
elliska
· 16 November 2005
· Chapter 76: Serendipity
Hehehe! Great. They get silly in a boat and end up saving a family. Lucky for everyone involved indeed. This was really well written they way it dropped bit by bit. And although they do deserve some good luck every now and again, I liked this line: The look on Adar’s face suggests he knows that we are not quite the heroes of the hour we seem to be. *Snort* They will never get away completely with anything, will they? Loved it. :-)
Author's reply
Sons of Elrond and grandsons of Galadriel - I doubt they ever expect to get away with anything!! Even when no-one says anything, the lifted eyebrow or bland smile will announce - 'yeah, right!'
But Celebrian is fiercely supportive and their wives are loyal - selective vision rules. But they don't delude themselves, which is good.
They came out of this smelling of roses, but they know they were lucky - what they forget to notice is that, if they hadn't been quick and strong and skilled, even luck wouldn't have pulled this one out of the water!
Thank you.
Ellie
· 14 November 2005
· Chapter 76: Serendipity
Well, at least they were in the right place at the right time. These little anecdotes are too funny!
Author's reply
Thank you. I do find these fun - they're like a night out! And the cards have to fall right sometimes. Mind you - if they weren't skilled and quick and confident, their rescue mission might not have worked at well as it did! But they are also modest enough not to think of it that way.
Armariel
· 13 November 2005
· Chapter 20: Arachnophobia
Wow!! I love a bitchy Elf-lady! Shelob.....teehee.......
Author's reply
Naughty elves carping about Legolas's naneth-in-law! I expect she's only worried about her daughter. And - well - she is a bit difficult. Although, in comparison to her husband she's a pushover!
The Karenator
· 13 November 2005
· Chapter 76: Serendipity
You know I love these little snippets of life in The Blesses Realm and enjoy them all. But as I was reading this one, I was struck with what a good job you did of hooking the reader. You dangled the first line, then the second and so forth, each line adding just a little more information to the story until I was about the burst to find out what had happened. When I got to the end and realized how you had sucked me in faster than a wind tunnel cranked up on high, first I was awed, then I laughed, then I returned to being awed. You really do this well and have throughout the series, but this time, I was putty in your hands.
The little tale was such fun. As always you had a point and made some wonderful observations about life in general. These two passages were great: ‘What counts,’ Elladan said seriously, ‘is trying. If you spend too much time worrying about how history will see you, you will never do anything. And it is always easy to look back and say how things could have been done better.’ And: ‘Good fortune,’ Legolas murmured, ‘is made up of a hundred hundred small sacrifices and choices, most of which pass unregarded.’ The look on his face told his friends immediately who was in his mind.
Absolutely delightful. I love to be swept away!
Karen
Author's reply
Thank you! Putty, huh? I enjoy these ones that are really completely unconnected to everything else that's going on in this world - but I do wonder if they come across. It would appear that you think they do! I'm delighted.
These three can't help coming out with some observations about life, the universe and everything. And the past. Well - elves have so much past. And Aragorn / Arwen and the War of the Ring make a pretty important chunk of it. And they have time to develop principles and understanding of morality - Elrond and Thranduil have made pretty good teachers and examples of how to live your life.
I'm glad you enjoyed the ride.
Larner
· 11 November 2005
· Chapter 76: Serendipity
Am so glad the Legolas remains conscious of the rest of the Fellowship even now. And love this Series of Fortunate Events, each just happening providentially....
Now, just what reward do these REALLY deserve?
And love the admonition to avoid bad poetical language.
Author's reply
They deserve a bit of luck every now and then! And, of course, were they not quick-thinking, skilled, generous-hearted elves, then all the good fortune in the world wouldn't allow them the happy outcome.
Legolas and the twins will never forget the rest of the Fellowship - and Arwen. To most of those in the Blessed Realm, they are no more than a story of heroism and sacrifice, but to these three, they are family. All of them - hobbits, dwarf, men and elf.
(Elladan gets a bit carried away from time to time - but Elrohir can't let him use purple prose. Even at a moment like this!)
Rose Sared
· 11 November 2005
· Chapter 76: Serendipity
Oh what a lovely idea - a series of fortunate events!
Most enjoyable, well done.
Rose
Author's reply
Sometimes the dice fall right. Downward spirals of disaster must, on occasion, be countered by upward spirals. We just don't, as a rule, expect them. E2L didn't expect it! But it happened.
Thank you - I'm glad you liked it. How are your muses? Are you feeding them champagne and strawberries? Hot chocolate and marshmallows? First-born children? Or whatever they require before they will let you put fingers to keyboard?
Redheredh
· 11 November 2005
· Chapter 76: Serendipity
A lovely Reflection on a day of reflection about those who have served.
As usual, the light banter cloaks a heavy truth about the people who take up responsibilty for the well-being of others, facing danger in the way fate and opportunity presents it to them.
"What counts," Elladan said seriously, "is trying. If you spend too much time worrying about how history will see you, you will never do anything. And it is always easy to look back and say how things could have been done better."
The elf who would answer neither yes nor no, who does not dare to be 'more dangerous', accomplishes nothing and stops no one.
"They succeeded beyond all hope," Elladan said, grasping his friend's shoulder. "Then accepted the responsibility that came with it. And they received the reward they deserved. Of that I am certain."
A happy life depends very much on good luck and good will. However, the brave act under indeterminable circumstances with what wisdom and means they possess - when they can, not when it is easy, safe, or convenient. And passive resistance is bravery in the face of overwhelming odds; it has sometimes won the battle.
"It stands to reason," Elladan mused, "that, if bad things lead to worse, there should be good chances that lead to better."
Tolkien prefered history to allegory. I think he shows us very clearly that good things do come out of bad and vice-versa, despite any good or bad intentions. The course of events do so often come down to individual bravery. Alone or together with others. And sometimes in its rawest form, the spilling one's own blood. Sacrifice and redemption made with both love and reason.
Ai, you touched a chord in me, Bodkin. There have been many good soldiers in my family and not all of them have received what would be considered their deserved rewards. But when asked why someone would choose armed service, we have had always answered because they are brave. After that, it is just good fortune and good judgement. We need to honor such bravery - especially when it comes with good intentions.
Author's reply
Elladan and Elrohir have had long enough to evolve their own principles to build on those they were taught as elflings - even if they don't usually spend much time talking about them. And I reckon that doing what you can, regardless of its cost on yourself is something they would have learned from their earliest childhood. And they recognise it in others.
We tend to notice spirals of disastrous events more than good fortune - which we are more likely to take as our due - but things can spin both ways. Here they have been lucky - but they have also been quick-witted and brave. And skilled.
Doing what you must. When 'must' means self-discipline, honour and principle, rather than compulsion. And the desire for recognition doesn't even make the count.
perelleth
· 11 November 2005
· Chapter 76: Serendipity
Loved the fast pace of this one, and the funny, self deprecating approach the twins have to themselves and all their doings... it is as if they were always making a parody out of themselves, which is very amusing. But I believe that I laughed out the loudest at Elrohir's bold, cheeky, last remark about oropher,that was a parting shot indeed! I love how they manage to involve everybody into their own "cut to size" strategy!
Author's reply
The twins have learned that being self-deprecating defuses anyone else's mockery. They like to keep their serious - and their sweet - sides hidden. But they have them. In quantity. And they are right that chance events often lead to disaster - but there should be an opposite effect.
Poor Oropher - if his headstrong charge had worked, he would have been a hero. History is quite unforgiving. And written by those who were still standing at the end.
Dreamflower
· 11 November 2005
· Chapter 76: Serendipity
What a nice conversation! I could just *see* all that happening with the oars and the boat and the tree...one after another, like dominoes tumbling.
But this I liked best: Good fortune,’ Legolas murmured, ‘is made up of a hundred hundred small sacrifices and choices, most of which pass unregarded.’ The look on his face told his friends immediately who was in his mind.
Yes, indeed. Legolas still and ever will miss his mortal friends, especially the smallest of them, and especially that one who sacrificed most.
I sometimes would like to see a story in which somehow Frodo and Sam had lasted until Legolas and Gimli arrived. But I suppose to have lost them again after that would have been even harder...
Author's reply
Dominoes tumbling! That was just the image I had. And, usually, such inevitability is disastrous - but sometimes it must just fall right! Of course, had they not been strong and skilled and experienced and quick-thinking, it could still have turned bad, but they probably wouldn't think of that. Their heads, both dark and fair, although pretty, are not overly swelled!
I do think Legolas is right - (I should since I put the words in his mouth) - and that the constant small decisions build up to more than one big showy display. They will all miss their mortal friends and kin - and live in hope that, one day, they will be reunited in the days beyond time.
It's over 120 years before Legolas and Gimli sail, isn't it? I suppose Frodo and Sam could have survived - time in the Blessed Realm works differently, I should think. Feels different, anyway. But it would be hard on Legolas to find and lose them again. Especially right on top of losing Aragorn and Arwen. And knowing that Gimli's time was likely to be short. Could be interesting though. You're right.
Nilmandra
· 11 November 2005
· Chapter 76: Serendipity
Ooh, I missed Celumin (very nice reward indeed) and now we have the terrible trio actually falling into heroism and good fortune! Yeah for them.... and I am sure Elrond is thankful, despite knowing that they were merely in the right place at the right time, and likely the tree kept them from being in the wrong river at the wrong time....
The end though, is bittersweet.
Author's reply
They don't seem to be able to avoid the insertion of sad thoughts. But they wouldn't want NOT to keep the memory alive. It is important to them to keep these people close to their hearts.
But they deserve a bit of good fortune every now and then. Even if it does bewilder them rather! And this is rather too powerful a river to find yourself being swept away, so the elfing's good luck was theirs too.
Celumil is happy to settle for being well-fed and admired at the moment. She will save any more for later. But she thanks you for your good thoughts.
daw the minstrel
· 11 November 2005
· Chapter 76: Serendipity
Really nice use of dialogue to tell us a funny story, Bodkin. These three were lucky and they know it!
Author's reply
They were lucky - but they deserve a bit of good fortune every now and then. Usually it's disaster upon disaster - but the Valar were smiling on them here. It's confused them. They're not used to it.
Jay of Lasgalen
· 11 November 2005
· Chapter 76: Serendipity
Serendipitous indeed! How very fortunate that E2L just happened to be on hand to lead a bold rescue!
The night-time fishing excursion sounds interesting - just how did they manage to lose the oars? There needs to be a back story for this, Bodkin. Please?
Jay
Author's reply
Well . . . I'm not sure how they managed to be without oars. It seems singularly ungraceful and clumsy of them. Maybe they'll let me in on the secret - or maybe it's just too embarrassing! If they do, I will let you know!
But it was serendipitous. Isn't that a lovely word? And everything came together for an undeserved success. They are quite bewildered. They're not accustomed to that!
Kitty
· 11 November 2005
· Chapter 76: Serendipity
Oh, I don't mind seeing my three favourite elves as the heroes! It is nice to know for once their actions didn't lead to disaster! Sometimes all need to be reminded they are no elflings but warriors who survived the Quest and the battles at the Pelennor and before the black gates, so they have to have some qualities after all. Well, I suppose their wives know that already, even if they don't show it often, or they wouldn't have married them.
Anyway, amusing idea how they became the heroes through coincidence and some not so heroic incidents! That was fun!
Author's reply
They are good warriors - and good at reacting to emergencies! And they have plenty of great qualities their wives enjoy. And, on the whole, they must have been successful far more often than they courted disaster, or they would have been unlikely to make it to peace and safety in the Blessed Realm. It's just that disaster is often funnier. Or more dramatic.
They know they were lucky to come out of this smelling of roses. (And so do most of their acquaintance!)
Armariel
· 30 October 2005
· Chapter 19: Where None Has Gone
Twins! I'm dying!! Sounds exactly like someone I know. I can just hear Lego saying it.....saying it....saying it......lolol
Author's reply
Poor Legolas. Such a shock. It's not as if he has twins in his family at all. Although I suppose Elerrina might!
And it's not as if he doesn't know some of the difficulties of being close to twins.
Armariel
· 30 October 2005
· Chapter 17: New Civilisations
Perfectly adorable. Heheheh that even Elves have to change diapers! There is such a smooth and subtle sophistication to your writing at all times. A delightful series!
Author's reply
Elladan was looking for something to do in these post-orc-slaying days! What better than cleaning up after an infant!
I'm glad you're enjoying these - they have been going some time, but show no sign of wanting to come to an end. They spark off so many other stories, too.
Armariel
· 30 October 2005
· Chapter 15: Signs
hmm hmm!!! All piles of manure are not created equal! Let's just see what's afoot..........................
Author's reply
Some piles of manure could be scented with roses - or covered with honeysuckle. Whereas some are just deep and malodorous. But if Celebrian is laughing . . . . .
Rose Sared
· 28 October 2005
· Chapter 75: A Noble Child
Oh, nice pictures of woozy elves and celebrations. Pretty name too. Just hang onto those thoughts of blackmail E2, the blond elf will sober up soon.
Rose
Author's reply
He will get back at them - and they will retaliate - and they will continue to enjoy their special relationship. I do like the Wood Elfy celebrations - they are so free and light-hearted. (He's not very drunk - just too relaxed, expecially around the tongue!) I've had that name ready since July - some names just come together and feel right without any effort, just as others are a total struggle!)
How is the muse?
perelleth
· 28 October 2005
· Chapter 75: A Noble Child
I apparently missed last chapter, and I did not know that Thranduil was giving LEgolas a little sister! ( but then, you know I found out this series very recently and I fear I do not have time to catch up with all the background, until until christmas ! :-))
So it is good to see Thranduil settling down so thoroughly and it is amusing to see the wicked sense of humour with which the twins manage to try and dampen Legolas enthusiasm... onbly to be, once again, be threatened by their own past! I very much like the consistency of the relationship among these three, is so amusing!
Author's reply
I think the pregnancy started back in 68. (So many of them I get confused! But at least they are all short.) And then I got distracted.
Having a child will really help Thranduil make the mental transition, I think. After all, it worked with Legolas and the twins.
They do enjoy teasing each other - I don't see them as knowing each other very well until Aragorn became king, but they have so much in common now that they have developed the kind of friendship that is always there.
Dreamflower
· 27 October 2005
· Chapter 75: A Noble Child
Ahhh...
I had started this long ago, but it just grew faster than I could keep up with it, and so I left off early on. I took it up again this evening, and finally managed to get through it. I just love it all--the wonderful friendship between the twins and Legolas, and their ties to Middle-earth underneath it all. I especially enjoy it when you sprinkle in the references to those who are gone from them: Aragorn, Arwnen, the Fellowship--I'm wondering--in one chapter you have them planning a special celebration in memory of the hobbits. Did you ever write that story? Or is it just a bunny right now? If you've already written it, please point me in its direction.
Your OCs in the forms of the wives and children to these three are wonderful. I love all the discussions of how they "manage" their wives, or more often how their wives "manage" them, LOL!
I also have to say that I love the idea of Thranduil having another child this late in life--really, very neat idea. The generations and relationships of Elves must be very complex.
I suppose since Elves in the Blessed Realm live indefinitely, this story could conceivable go on forever. Won't hurt my feelings a bit if it does...
Author's reply
I will admit that I don't think I've ever read the whole thing through - it just grows in little increments, some of which are connected. But it does provide an assortment of ideas for other things! The celebration for hobbits saving the world has never been written, though.
The wives and children have just become people in my head now - and Legolas and the twins interact with them. I was worried about providing them at first - but surely families would be one of those things they would acquire in the Blessed Realm. And the wives are pretty skilled when it comes to elf-management. But then these three only need to do the puppy-dog eyes to wring their hearts in return!
I have been fiercely resisting providing babies for certain more mature elves - mainly because, once they're there, they have to do things - and the cast list gets even more extensive. And I already know I have lost track of the names of some of the extras! Relationships must be quite mad - elves of a dozen generations or more, all looking young and gorgeous, all fertile if they want to be. At least E2L have ancestors who waited until they were in their thousands plus before reproducing, which cuts the possible number of generations.
I think eventually the chapter numbers will run out - and we'll have to move on to Reflections 2. But the pieces keep coming! I'm glad you enjoyed them.
elliska
· 27 October 2005
· Chapter 75: A Noble Child
Wonderful! This is perfect. From the opening image of the fireflies (I miss those--we don't have them in Florida) to Elrin's high spirited, youthful celebration, to Legolas letting it slip! Oh that was wonderful! So funny when he not only threatened them with the ammunition Arwen had supplied--but proved he really had it too. And I loved the line: I believe an elf has a right to a daughter. I so agree. Daughters are special. And I love Celumíl. Perfect. She will indeed be a source of love. I am so happy for Thranduil! :-)
Author's reply
Thank you. I do like the images produced by Wood Elf celebrations - they are so vibrant and everybody is just plain enjoying themselves. Poor Legolas - he's not that intoxicated, but just forgot it was still secret. (I nearly typed it in a review last week!)
I think Arwen might have talked to Legolas quite a lot about her family - she wouldn't have revealed as much to Aragorn, probably, for fear of increasing his feelings of guilt. And Elrond would probably agree about an elf and his daughter - I'm sure that one of the things that has prevented Elrond and Celebrian from producing more children is that feeling of loyalty to a daughter who can no longer be with them.
And you either looked up the name or are very good at Elvish! I can spend hours trying to come up with good names, but this one just jumped out. Thranduil thanks you for your congratulations!
Larner
· 27 October 2005
· Chapter 75: A Noble Child
Legolas is that deeply into his cups, is he? Alas and alack! But so lovely!
Author's reply
He's just a little light-headed, really. Enough to take the edge off his caution. And it is so difficult not to say something that is right on the tip of your tongue! I'm glad you liked it.
Larner
· 27 October 2005
· Chapter 74: Well Met by Moonlight
Seems to me the Elves, like the Hobbits, tend to think with their stomachs a good deal of the time--not as often, perhaps, but as predictably. And the determination NOT to tease the girls is a good one, I predict.
Author's reply
More fruit, fewer mushroom, perhaps - but hey, they're males! Of course they think with their stomachs.
I think Elrohir putting his foot down over the teasing definitely gets marked as a Good Thing. His wife would have been very cross with him had they wound up Nimloth and Aewlin at the moment. Although they are nearly old enough to learned eye-rolling as a response to paternal teasing!
Redheredh
· 27 October 2005
· Chapter 75: A Noble Child
Ha! Tipsy Legolas spilled more than his wine!
"small, pink and indisputably innocent" a sweet little temptress already! Her Ada will have suitors hanging from the trees. No, I didn't mean like that! They will bring her more than candy and ribbons.
These are such wonderful little episodes. When shall Celumil appear in Eflings?
Author's reply
Legolas is just feeling relaxed - and in the company of friends. And the name just popped out. He's been letting it roll round his head as he got used to it and the trouble is, he has! But they need only keep it to themselves for another hour or so.
There is nothing like a baby for infecting all around her with the desire to follow suit. The suitors might have to wait a while - I don't think she'll notice them just yet. And I am sure Ada will want to have them hanging from the trees! (He gets to watch Legolas suffering with Eleniel's admirers first, though. Maybe he will pick up some tips.)
Celumil makes a brief appearance in the next Elflings. Which I nearly posted today, but then remembered that this needed to be first! Probably at the weekend.
Jay of Lasgalen
· 27 October 2005
· Chapter 75: A Noble Child
Perhaps the key to paternal satisfaction is to have *a* daughter. (Or at least, one at a time.)
Tried that, doesn't work. One daughter can be far more trouble than one son. (Much father/daughter strife in our family!)
Author's reply
Oh well. Father/daughter strife is the other face of the special relationship.
I wonder if Celumil will turn out to be bolshie, like Nimloth. It's a bit hard to tell when all they do is rest in people's arms, looking cute. Thranduil will be a tougher cookie as a father than as a grandfather, that's for sure - and that sets up potential for trouble.