Reflections from the Paradise of Elves by Bodkin
Ellie · 27 October 2005 · Chapter 75: A Noble Child
Poor druck Legolas. I think it's funny he slipped up. I do hope that others will follow suit with more little ones of their own.
Author's reply
Only tipsy Legolas - he's a bit light-headed and not being careful enough. But the Name is in the forefront of his mind, and it just slipped out. Babies are very addictive - there might be others to follow. Although it does make story-telling more complicated as the cast list grows and grows!
daw the minstrel · 27 October 2005 · Chapter 75: A Noble Child
The difference for Legolas is that his little sister knows him only as an adult, not as a young elf who doesn't always exercise the best judgment! So what's the deal with Elrin? Is he just celebrating?
Author's reply
It's not the same, is it, being more than a millennium older than your little sister! And complicated by the fact that your own children are older than she is, and at a better age to be her siblings. I'm sure she will use them as substitute siblings - and see them make mistakes and get in trouble and suffer the angst of youthful attractions - but that could come with a tang of sadness for her brother. And, come to that, their parents. Autre temps, autres moeurs, as I seem to recall the saying. Elrin is just enjoying himself. And, because he's at Thranduil's place, he can let himself go a bit more without all that adolescent worry about losing face. And maybe he is finding in himself a taste for the less inhibited Wood Elf way of doing things - after all, his naneth is a Wood Elf.
Jay of Lasgalen · 27 October 2005 · Chapter 75: A Noble Child
‘Daughters are special,’ Legolas pronounced. ‘You should have one, Elladan.’ He raised his glass in an airy salute. ‘I believe an elf has a right to a daughter.’ He declares this profound statement in front of Elrohir? With his spawn of Morgoth daughters? No wonder he thinks Legolas is drunk! He must be, though, to let slip his new sister's name so carelessly. Celumíl. I like it.
Author's reply
Aaww. Elrohir's twins aren't that bad!! They're beginning to grow into quite reasonable ellyth. Determined. Intelligent. Sharp-eyed. But not heartless. And talking of letting the cat out of the bag - I nearly put her name in a review of the last chapter! And then nearly put up an Elflings that refers to her before this! Perhaps the key to paternal satisfaction is to have a daughter. (Or at least, one at a time.) Maybe the problem is with multiples. E2 were probably harder to raise than single elflings would have been.
Lindelea · 27 October 2005 · Chapter 75: A Noble Child
So many layers in this story! The conversation weaves like the dance you so aptly describe, moving at various levels. The eye is drawn to the athletic leaps, distracted by the beauty of the fireflies, but there are some timeless themes that are always there even when not noticed. Daughters are special. Little pitchers have big ears. A daughter's loyalty to her father... (and so much could be said about Arwen here, who made her choice no matter what her father might have felt about the matter) Very nice! (Take it from me, who can hardly bear to stray out of the Shire on occasion.)
Author's reply
I think the daughter's loyalty to her father wanes a little when true love comes into her life! Not that it reduces the love, mind - I am pretty sure that the division from her father was the most painful part of Arwen's choice. I'm glad you enjoyed the conversation - I love the Wood Elf celebrations. They have such spontaneity. More hobbit-like, perhaps, than the more formal festivities of the other elves. Food, drink and dancing. What more could they want!
Redheredh · 23 October 2005 · Chapter 74: Well Met by Moonlight
Taurevron! Call out the musicians and let us dance under the green-leaved trees! The realm has a new princess and a new name!
Author's reply
I decided in the end (referring back to FH) that the whole of the forest was originally given the name Taurevron - because it is a forest that will endure until the end of days. Eventually, Laerwen happily conceded areas of the vast expanse to Elrond's people and to Celeborn/Galadriel's - and they were given other names. I just haven't decided what they're called yet!
elliska · 23 October 2005 · Chapter 74: Well Met by Moonlight
Oh! the birth of Thranduil's daughter! Wonderful. I sooo think he needs a daughter. He would be the perfect father of daughters, althought the daughters may not think so when they grow old enough to notice boys (and be noticed). What a lovely scene with Legolas holding her. And of course wood elves would take this as a perfect excuse to make merry--likely from the day of the birth to the day she is presented without stopping. I am dying to find out her name.
Author's reply
I think he recognises his weakness! He knows he indulges Eleniel - but so what, he can pass the difficult jobs over to Legolas. ** on the other hand (do you know, I came so close to typing her name there) is his responsibility and he will not turn his back on that. I can see this party lasting a month or two. ** is a promise - they have a new home and new hope in a land at peace - and this is guaranteed to last. Her name - I decided on it before I went away in the summer, just in case I got round to writing that bit, and then got so distracted by Discretion that I've only just got round to it!
Rose Sared · 23 October 2005 · Chapter 74: Well Met by Moonlight
Oh bother might have to do this twice, if so forgive me - Lovely image of Legolas cradling his baby sister - but he never learns, does he? Now E will spend his time tormenting him for his sisters name - although at least it will prevent the tormenting of the next generation to everyone's disadvantage. Lovely stuff as ever bod Rose
Author's reply
Well - Legolas only has to keep his mouth firmly closed until Thranduil has announced it. Not too long. I think Elrohir has put his foot down about teasing the elflings - he has no desire to set Aewlin and Nimloth off on a rampage. Thank you. There's nothing like a baby. Although you then have to spend the rest of eternity thinking of things for said child to do!
ellie · 23 October 2005 · Chapter 74: Well Met by Moonlight
How sweet!
Author's reply
Thank you. She's a very pretty little baby - and quite happy in her big brother's arms.
Redheredh · 23 October 2005 · Chapter 74: Well Met by Moonlight
Oh so lovely! A fair princess is born by the light of the moon and stars. Woe to any who dares to speak ill or do harm with this family watching over her. Ah, she did not cry while being held. Feeling quiet safe and content, I'm sure. ;) Can't wait for her presentation! And Legolas won this round of who's-the-elf. Congratulations to the Elven-king and his Silvan-queen!!
Author's reply
Thranduil, formerly King of Lasgalen and Laerwen his Queen thank you for your congratulations on the birth of their daughter, the first of their House to be born in Taurevron. And E2L would agree that she is a very fair princess. Although Legolas is remaining close-mouthed about her name - and Thranduil says you will have to wait. She was content in her brother's arms - and admired the beauty of the night. (As much as any newborn has any thought for anything other than food and comfort.) I like the idea of who's-the-elf.
Armariel · 23 October 2005 · Chapter 9: Adjustments
Oh good heavens......whyyy does this sound so familiar? hehehe Imagine not wanting to go fishing with hubby........*teehee*
Author's reply
Poor Elrohir. Elladan never objected to getting wet while they fished. . . Oh wait. Elrohir's sweetie is a girl! They'll get used to the difference. In a few decades.
Jay of Lasgalen · 23 October 2005 · Chapter 74: Well Met by Moonlight
Titania? Not a bad name for a princess of the woodland elves (oh, wait, that was ill met by moonlight ...) How nice to see Legolas with his new sister - and the twins' approval of the new arrival, of course. I'm a little worried about his mother, though - why does she still need the attentions of Thranduil, Elrond andMiriwen?
Author's reply
Pure protectiveness. Laerwen wants Miriwen to attend her, but Thranduil is convinced that Elrond, whatever his ancestry is the greatest healer since. . . since Aesculapius and he is just going to be there - just in case. But Laerwen is a perfectly healthy rehoused elf and there really is little reason to worry about her health! The name escapes in the next Reflection. I was looking for a Midsummer Night Dream quote for the title, but couldn't find anything appropriate. But it's not too much of a revelation to say that her name won't be Titania!
daw the minstrel · 23 October 2005 · Chapter 74: Well Met by Moonlight
It seems appropriate for a wood elf to be in the moonlight as soon as possible. And I like the way Legolas assumes they will feast and lessons will be suspended. What a great parent! Elrohir is right that teasing the youngsters would be unfair. Bad!!!
Author's reply
Of course they will feast! And party the night away. There are some things that are more important than lessons. Good thing Elrohir is there to rein in Elladan's desire to tease. But then, he knows only too well how Aewlin and Nimloth would react. And it wouldn't be good!
Armariel · 23 October 2005 · Chapter 5: What if. . .?
Funny and rather sweet too. Loving this I am........
Author's reply
I'm glad. It's quite a long time since I wrote some of these. But some still touch a soft spot - and this is one of them!
Armariel · 23 October 2005 · Chapter 3: Maturity
I repeat: ROFLMAO!!!!! *bellowing*
Author's reply
Thank you. Poor E2L! They are suffering!
Armariel · 23 October 2005 · Chapter 2: New Dangers
*shouts* I LOOOOVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVEEEEEEEEEEEEE ITTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! *rofl* this is tooooooooooo cute........................ *might become an Elf-fan against her will at this rate*
Author's reply
Well - when it comes to elves, these three are rather fun. And they are vulnerable! How can they resist matchmaking mamas!
elliska · 22 October 2005 · Chapter 73: Like Adar, Like Son
Catching up on my reading is so much fun! I love these conversations--so the poor ellon was trying to birdwatch and came upon some ellyth instead. I can tell you, you see strange things while birdwatching sometimes, so I can imagine this, poor thing. :-) But Legolas speaking in captial letters and the twins joking about blondes getting away with more and provoking Legolas with memories of past foolishness--all great stuff. I am so glad to see an update on these. I love them.
Author's reply
Thank you. I can imagine E2 spying on ellyth when then were 'teenage'. They would encourage each other, I think. But Galenthil hasn't really got to that stage yet. He truly is more interested in birds than in girls! And Legolas would have happened on them by chance, too - he might have misbehaved with his friends in Mirkwood, but there would be no way he would intentionally Disgrace His House in Imladris. But miffed parents don't always see it that way! Legolas does very well when dealing with E2 - he doesn't generally let them provoke him. But there's really no venom in any of their exchanges - and they know each other well enough to say the kinds of things that no-one else could. I hope Elladan doesn't bleach his hair, though. I can't imagine him with a long mop of Marilyn Monroe platinum.
Larner · 18 October 2005 · Chapter 62: Brothers
Good understanding of the psychology of their parents. And perfectly normal behavior for infants when being presented publicly for the first time, of course. And no longer color-coordinated? Has me giggling.
Author's reply
Well - the main advantage of choosing your husband's robes must be setting off your own. You wouldn't want him to clash. And Ellanthir is making sure that the cooing is aimed in the right direction!
Larner · 18 October 2005 · Chapter 61: Fallen
Oh dear, the slide foretold in the last one had occurred, has it? And I understand about the changes in mood to cooperative being as indicative in some as horrible patient behavior in others. Glad both twins are healers and sufficiently close to home to call upon their father's aid.
Author's reply
This links in with one of the Elflings stories, although I can't actually remember which. The seventh one, I think. And poor Elladan must be in a bad way if he is being co-operative!
Larner · 18 October 2005 · Chapter 60: Rain
Ah--we will endure getting waterlogged before we'll spend more time with the father-in-law, eh? Can see his point. Get him home now, E&E!
Author's reply
Rain is only weather. The father-in-law is more like a natural disaster. But Legolas will be fine once Elerrina has been able to apply her soothing touch!
Larner · 18 October 2005 · Chapter 59: Frustration
What a use to put such a beloved relic to! And we can't decide how to deal with the in-laws? Adar-in-law needs a bit of a comeuppance, methinks! I was fortunate--only in-law I got guff from was from big sister, although she was bad enough. My mothers-in-law were great, as were the folks of my husband's ex-wife. They got along better with me than with her, which was odd, I must say. Lovely, believable scene; and that he'd find relief using Gimli's axe is touching. I'm certain he feels Gimli would have been sympathetic and likely to use it to his relief!
Author's reply
Better chopping wood than adars-in-law. And elves have a very very long time to grow to an understanding of their spouse's family. I think Gimli might have removed that particular axe and replaced it with one more suitable to the task!
Larner · 18 October 2005 · Chapter 58: Wanting
Alack and alas--having to deal with in-laws! And in-laws that think the moon sank when their daughter went off to join the wood elves! And of course the twins are full of plans for distractions--distractions likely to drive Legolas more to distraction while amusing themselves! Heh!
Author's reply
I don't think Legolas's in-laws would actively dislike him - if he would only live next door, so that Elerrina and the elflings would be permanently on tap. Only elven society seems to be established as a patriarchy - and brides join their husband's family. (I think Elerrina is quite happy with that too!) The twins will tease - but they're there when they're needed!
Redheredh · 18 October 2005 · Chapter 73: Like Adar, Like Son
... intimidation is so much less serious than using force... Well, yes in a way! ...learning to speack in capital letters... LOL! I loved that! "Position and positioning are socially conditioning" you say? And more blonde jokes, hah! Very fun and funny as always! These conversations are wonderful.
Author's reply
Poor Elrohir. He really doesn't know whether Nimloth is making progress by confining herself to threats - or what he can do to improve matters. The next stage, I suppose, is that it will only take a sweet smile for her opponents to realise they are overstepping the line. By which time she will be well on her way to turning into a younger Galadriel. Sons of lords and princes - at least they have parents who insisted on the idea of noblesse oblige, and let them know that with privilege came added responsibility. I don't think Nimloth has quite grasped that yet. Thank you. Poor Legolas. Still, the blond jokes seem to be water off a duck's back - and he can give as good as he gets. It's just that it's always two to one.
perelleth · 17 October 2005 · Chapter 73: Like Adar, Like Son
LOL! I was laughing all along! Such an amusing entertaining conversation! truly, this three must have found out their hidden role in life as official anchors for "visit Valinor" campaigns! Such a great amount of spare time to enjoy polishing the fine art of friendly bantering! Great, bodkin, how they (they?) manage to stretch the smallest issue to hilarious conclusions! LEd by their own art, the twins are able to turn every situation against themselves! Bleaching his hair! Now, thanks Eru that's not something Elladan thought of as an elfling, or are you planning on surpirsing us with a shameful tale?
Author's reply
They do work. Really! But they are elves - and they have plenty of time to spend with friends. And they have trained for years in the art of turning molehills into mountains! Jay has Arwen cutting Elrohir's hair to make a difference between him and his brother - that's bad enough. I don't think E2 really have any intention of seeking out the bleach. Well, not at the moment, anyway.
Jay of Lasgalen · 17 October 2005 · Chapter 73: Like Adar, Like Son
Elladan dying his hair? Well, it would be one way of telling the twins apart. I cannot imagine E2 as blond, though. Is there a Middle-Earth equivalent of blonde jokes, or 'blondes have more fun'? (I'm brunette, so couldn't possibly comment!) So what's Galenthil been up to? And just what did his father do, so long ago in Imladris? Knowing Galenthil, he was looking at the kingfishers - though I can understand why some doubted that when the ellyth were so near. Great to see an update on this, Bodkin. And congratulations on the MEFAs! Jay
Author's reply
I doubt they can imagine themselves as blonds, either. (I wouldn't risk blonde jokes around Galadriel. Or Celeborn come to that. And Celebrian would get her own back. And then there's Thranduil. You'd have to be very careful with your audience!) Galenthil - wrong place, wrong time. Same with Legolas. Peeking at ellyth when they shouldn't! They would both have been far more successful had they been doing it on purpose! Thank you - congratulations to you on your MEFAs too! Well deserved, I must say!
Lindelea · 17 October 2005 · Chapter 73: Like Adar, Like Son
Do you think we would have got away with more had we been blond?’ Elrohir asked. *snork* You have such a way with conversation...
Author's reply
Poor Legolas - they do gang up to tease him. But he is comfortable in their company and can give as good as he gets. And conversation is such fun!