First off, WHAT is with the teensy tiny print of the last two updates? I'm having to copy and paste it elsewhere before I can read it. *confuzzled*
Loved it that Sinnarn seems to be handling things so well and isn't complaining about his punishment. *sigh of relief* Poor Legolas, getting teased about not knowing what a Hobbit was. LOL I'm hoping this means no more dark circles under Alfirin's eyes, now that the family are laughing together again.
Eilian...*snicker, snort* That RASCAL! I'm so VERY glad Celuwen is such a good match for him. *giggling*
As always, the blending of book canon with your story is nicely done as well as greatly appreciated. A very good job, my dear. :):):)
Author's reply
Really??? The font looks normal on my browser. I'll have to ask Nilmandra about it. Is my story the only one showing up like that? And is it only the last two chapters?
I think Sinnarn's situation is gradually easing, but this has been hard on him and those who love him. He's really being very good about it.
I was SO glad to have Eilian home again. I've missed writing about him. And he obviously missed Celuwen. ;-)
Nilmandra
· 29 June 2004
· Chapter 12: Revelations
Legolas is never going to live this down. All this interaction with 'Hobbit' and the dwarves are a perfect setup for disliking Gimli and being amused by hobbits in LotR. His family will tease him to the end of Arda for this one. Now there is a disadvantage of the long life of elves!
Celuwen the politician! I love it - her husband is carrying her off for some passion and she is still calling advice back to the king about how to handle the settlement! They need to go practice :D
Author's reply
LOL. All very true! Maybe Eilian has been away for so long that Celuwen does need reminding of what she's missing. I'm sure she remembered soon.
French Pony
· 28 June 2004
· Chapter 12: Revelations
Wstfgl. I am waaaay too sleepy to be writing anything, but I will leave a note now, or else I won't ever.
So Legolas becomes the family joke for his concern over Hobbit, eh? Yeah, sounds about right. That's what families do. They will talk about this for years to come, which is probably one reason Legolas did not choose to get married -- imagine the toast potential for this one!
On the other hand, I'd like to have seen any of the others do better. It's difficult to be smug when you're talking about a critter that you've only heard about in classes and never seen in real life. And we all know that Legolas will more than make up for it not too long from now when he passes Balrog Identification 101 with flying colors.
Author's reply
I agree! I think it was natural for Legolas to identify Bilbo as something he more or less recognized. He probably even thought he was really smart to know that female Dwarves have beards.
And actually, I had never thought about the fact that he hadn't seen a Balrog before. I suppose Gandalf did the real identification job there.
Sleep is good, FP.
Estel_Mi_Olor
· 28 June 2004
· Chapter 12: Revelations
Yay Eilian's home! How exciting! He really does have this amazing ability to make people laugh, because I was smiling nonstop every since he entered the chapter. I hope Eilian will stay home awhile. Everybody really missed him.
Poor Legolas, a Perian indeed! I can imagine if Eilian had not been so "tired" there would have been much more teasing. But then again, he can't remember everything, now can he? :)
I can see the Battle of the Five Armies is coming up very shortly, and I am very excited to see how you will write it with your characters. I am happy that Thranduil has a reason for wanting some of the treasure-I didn't want to believe that it was just his greed. Thranduil wouldn't be that greedy, and put the lives of his warriors at risk just to satisfy his um....greed... I know there is much slaughter ahead. I won't say anything-hoping not to be justified on that score.
Keep writing!
Author's reply
I loved having Eilian to write about again. I missed him (and so did Celuwen).
Poor Legolas indeed! I figured that the elves might not know the terms "hobbit," because that's what hobbits call themselves. The Elves would call them Periannath. The term "halfling" is their name in Common and that's the word that allowed Thranduil to make the connection.
The Battle of the Five Armies is a very big event and I'm a little intimidated by writing it, but it should be interesting to do anyway.
nessie
· 28 June 2004
· Chapter 12: Revelations
Yay! Aww, now they're picking on Legolas! Even Thranduil is amused! So now Ithilden is suspicious of Mithrandir, as he should be. That old wizard is sneaky, he is. Now they're going slightly easier on Sinnarn too, but only slightly. He's taking his punishment very well, if it was anybody else I'd think they'd kill themselves from the humiliation. And yay! Eilian's home! Those settlement elves are always causing trouble.... I loved this chapter as always, update asap!
~nessie~
Author's reply
Legolas can at least take some glum satisfaction in knowing that he's lightened his family's mood a little. They're all enjoying ribbing him. And Sinnarn is showing what he's made of now. He's not complaining and he's facing his situation well. Good on him!
White Wolf
· 28 June 2004
· Chapter 12: Revelations
It was so funny when the truth about 'Hobbit' was revealed at Legolas's expense. Eilian sure had fun with it. I love it when he calls Legolas brat.
Eilian and Celuwne are so cute together.
Author's reply
I like writing about Eilian and Celuwen together. I think I'm going to have to go back and write about the year after they first married when it was Eilian working in Ithilden's office.
Fortunately (?) for Legolas, he has had lots of experience being teased. He's the youngest of three brothers after all.
tigerlily713
· 28 June 2004
· Chapter 12: Revelations
Great chapter! I hadn't thought about Gandalf's reasons for wanting to destroy Smaug. I guess it is obvious, but it had never occured to me. Can't wait for more! Lily
Author's reply
Maybe Gandalf's reasons for sending the Dwarves on the mission to the Erebor were obvious to Tolkien, but they weren't to me! When I was getting ready to write this story, I was very surprised to read what Gandalf had to say about how worried he was about Smaug and how Sauron might attack Rivendell and that's why he was happy to help Thorin Oakenshield get a party together to go after Smaug. It's cool though, isn't it?
Jay of Lasgalen
· 28 June 2004
· Chapter 12: Revelations
Poor Legolas! (Well, it makes a change from 'poor Sinnarn'.) He'll have to live with hobbit jokes for a long time, I think. Quite clearly, everyone knows about his mistake. The not-very-well-hidden amusement of Thranduil, Ithilden and Sinnarn was wonderful.
I think Sinnarn has coped with his disgrace and punishment admirably, and has grown as a result. He obviously listened to his grandfather's advice, and has shown more maturity than I think his uncles would have done. But poor Ithilden, hoping none of 'his' warriors would have to fight Smaug, that 'he was tired of sending elves to their deaths'. They won't have to fight Smaug, but face a far worse battle, where we know many will die. Who are you going to kill, Daw? Tinar? He's the only one I won't grieve over!
Jay
Author's reply
My experience is that male relative enjoy teasing one another far more than one might hope, and I can just see Legolas's father, brothers, and nephew (and probably friends too) enjoying themselves greatly at Legolas's expense. Ah well. He should be used to it by now.
Sinnarn is doing very well, and I think that Ithilden is pleased with how he's acting. I'll bet Calith and everyone else also notices that he's being strong.
I am getting reviews instructing me not to kill various characters, but *someone* has to die. That was a nasty battle! :-(
Jebb
· 28 June 2004
· Chapter 12: Revelations
This was so perfect and a real pleasure to read it is good to see the whole family re-united and happy, well apart from Sinnarn who seems to be handling the whole thing with stoicism he is more like his father than Ithilden gives him credit for it must be very hard to have to face such humiliation day after day
Legolas what can I say the scene with the river elves was priceless he is right he will never live it down!
And Eilian comes home what a reunion.
But more than the sheer joy of reading this is the real sense of being there of living their life through your eyes a great gift
So many lovely little things that make up the whole like Legolas waiting for permission before sitting down, Thranduil giving support and silent approval to Sinnarn for wanting to face up to his troubles, Ithilden's sadness at seeing his son in his office and so many other tiny details that make this so wonderful to read
Author's reply
I think Sinnarn is a nice blend of his parents. He is bright, like Ithilden, and somewhat more gentle than his uncles because of his mother. Of course, he also shares Thranduil's pessimism.
I was glad to have Eilian come home. I missed writing about him.
Your last two paragraphs really made me feel good. I like writing about the Arda-shaking events that Tolkien is describing, but I really like seeing these characters as people who were affected by those events in their own lives and in the lives of those they loved. And I like giving their lives texture. I'm not good at descriptions, so I have to concentrate of what it must have been like to do even simple things like join your family at dinner. Thank you for being so kind.
Rose Sared
· 28 June 2004
· Chapter 12: Revelations
Whew! an upbeat end to an upbeat chapter. At least while they are getting at Legolas they are leaving poor Sinnarn alone. That lad needs to get into some real mischief so that he can feel guilty for something he actually did!(consciously)
Lovely stuff
Rose
Author's reply
Thranduil's family is all at home and mostly happy. Except for Sinnarn, who at least has Emmelin. (I almost can't bear the thought of adding another member to the family. It will be so huge I'll never be able to write about them!)
Bodkin
· 28 June 2004
· Chapter 12: Revelations
Oh what a lovely chapter after the emotional agonies of the last! Eilian and Celuwen - ahhhhh! Thranduil amused - and offering loving fatherly advice.
Interesting differences between Eilian / Sinnarn - Sinnarn is, in some ways, stronger and more balanced than his uncle: less mercurial. Poor Sinnarn (there it goes again) is dealing with the outcomes with surprising resilience - and at least the dwarves have gone off to a place where they are currently doing no harm.
Poor Legolas - it is a good thing he has been thoroughly well trained in enduring brotherly teasing. The family must be glad to have someone make a mistake that can be responded to with laughter, rather than treading on eggshells. Legolas still hasn't quite disentangled work and family - although as he is a generation further up the family tree, it is probably a bit harder for him than for Sinnarn, whose father is troop commander and grandfather is king. Awful position for both of them, really. Especially living on the job - I thought it was quite right when Legolas went to the Eastern patrol as a new warrior. He would never have coped at home - and neither would Ithilden (not to mention Thranduil).
I'm glad to see some reflection on the 'one cup' story: Sinnarn is usually truthful - Ithilden is wondering about some deception, although he really believes his son is deceiving himself. Galion is very lucky that this disaster occurred to him in the presence of Sinnarn - I doubt Alfirin would have been so accepting if she didn't feel that supporting Galion was supporting Sinnarn.
Let Solith move, Thranduil. I believe Dol Guldur is pleasant at this time of year!
Poor Galelas - he needs a loving elleth. (Not a funeral pyre.) If Tinar can find a wife - presumably the only deaf/blind elleth in Mirkwood - Galelas should certainly be able to find someone who loves him to the exclusion of all others.
One of the most fun aspects of this story (well, apart from characterisation and the plot and so on) is the fact that the readers are insiders and can pick up all the references - small parties, hopeless quests, evil mountains, returning kings indeed!
Author's reply
You know I think you're right about Sinnarn and Eilian. And I think there are two possible reasons. One is that Alfirin is still around and I think she helps to balance Sinnarn. Eilian was technically an adult when his mother died but he was a very young one, only 70. And the other is that Sinnarn was left to mature with less responsibility. Eilian went south early and was a captain early. Sinnarn may have complained about boredom occasionally in his safer posts, but he also had time to mature. I think Ithilden learned from what he saw happening to Eilian and he didn't make the same mistakes with Sinnarn.
Legolas, on the other hand, was sent away young, as Eilian was, but he was sent somewhere relatively safe and not made an officer young. So he, too, had more time to grow up. Ithilden did his best by all of them, but the times are demanding.
I think the idea that Sinnarn might have lied to him is one of the most troubling parts of this to Ithilden. He can't quite believe it but he can't see any other explanation.
As I was writing this chapter, I was struck by the parallels between the two quests. Legolas can't help but admiring the Dwarves for undertaking this one. Maybe that affected his decision to go on the other one!
erunyauve
· 27 June 2004
· Chapter 12: Revelations
I have to mention again how much I loved Emmelin's reaction in the last chapter!
The scene in which Legolas learned of *the* hobbit was wonderful. And I could just see there would be no end with Eilian coming home.
Okay, *now* I get the wine mystery (it took me a couple of chapters). Poor Sinnarn - that is one elf who might do serious damage to Bilbo Baggins.
Author's reply
Emmelin is going to be a wonderful addition to Thranduil's family (although I can hardly stand the thought of the family getting bigger -- it's hard enough to write about them all together now).
Legolas was so compassionate and responsbile, and then it turned out that "Hobbit" was "a" hobbit! And his family will enjoy themselves forever. I can see them years from now sitting around the table and saying, "Remember the time that Legolas mistook a hobbit for a dwarf child? Hahahahahaha."
I pushed canon a little bit there about Bilbo refilling the wine cups, but he could have done it. Poor Sinnarn (apparently I'm not done saying that yet).
sofia
· 27 June 2004
· Chapter 12: Revelations
im glad that Eilian is back. He really isnt going to let the hobbit thing with legolas down right? actually im looking forward to hearing him tease legolas. Dont keep us waiting for too long.
-sofia
Author's reply
I'm glad that Eilian is back too. I've missed him for the last few chapters. He's fun to write about. And I think that he is planning on tormenting Legolas for a good long time. It's an older brother's privilege!
Molly
· 27 June 2004
· Chapter 12: Revelations
I just had to laugh at the irony of this:
They were on a fools’ errand, he thought, but somehow, he could not help but admire the little company, marching bravely toward the mountain where evil dwelt that they might regain what was theirs and bring about the return of their king.
Hm, why do I think Legolas will one day be more familiar with that type of journey than he expects... I'm glad we're able to see the whole family together and well. I think that's the first time that's happened. I like seeing them interact; it's obvious that they all love each other. And Legolas is being a better sport than I ever would about the whole "hobbit" mistake.
Author's reply
Ah! I loved writing that sentence. As I was writing this chapter, I was really struck by the parallels between the two stories. Here we see Legolas admiring others for doing what he's going to be asked to do himself. I wonder if that affected his decision to go?
Writing about the whole family together is challenging now because the family has gotten so big. It's relief to go back and write about the smaller family that existed before there were wives and a grandchild, actually.
Ms. Whatsit
· 27 June 2004
· Chapter 12: Revelations
Aww, Eilian/Celuwen fluff. How sweet--and how very Eilianish to have all these public displays of affection.
I loved Thranduil teasing Legolas about "Hobbit." Ha! So the truth comes out at last! Legolas will probably try really hard to look completely nonchalant whenever anyone says "hobbit" from now on--and his family will probably find a way to work the word into every sentence! Is he going to tell Annael? I seem to recall Annael staying out all night looking for the "child" out of sympathy. Poor guy.
Once more, with feeling: Poor Sinnarn.
Just had to say that :).
I liked Thranduil's total contempt for the notion that the Dwarves are "magical" or have powers or something. I also like how you show that he was quite reasonable in wanting a bit of the treasure, what with the trouble the Dwarves caused and the shortages in Mirkwood!
I also like the glimpse we get of Thranduil's spies. I bet they're really, really, *really* good.
I think the glimpse we got into Galelas's family was a sad one. Poor kid. A brother like Tinar--and parents who actually *prefer* this obnoxious brother! Eek!
Author's reply
You are so right! Annael is going to have to be told, and I think Legolas would be the one to do it. LOL. At least Legolas's mistake shows him up as a person of compassion. His family is enjoying the chance to rib him a little though. At least he's had lots of practice in being teased.
I'm trying to show Thranduil's lust for the treasure as reasonable although I also suspect that he did like pretty things. But he behave pretty well during the war actually.
Two of the keepers used to be spies, Beliond and Nithron. And I expect you're right and they are very good. Thranduil would get someone else if they weren't.
I loved having Eilian home again to write about.
The Karenator
· 27 June 2004
· Chapter 12: Revelations
I can't believe I have fallen so far behind in reviewing, but I've caught up (reading, not reviewing)!
The tone of this chapter was so nice. It had an almost peaceful feel to it. For the first time in a long while, the realm is seeing some peace. Maybe not everything is hunky-dory, but it has certainly improved.
I can't help but feel bad for Sinnarn. That must have been some potent wine! But it's to his credit that he's born his sentence well. Despite the fact that it's obvious that Sinnarn's entire family suffers with him, he has been held accountable. The worst part, I suppose, is to tell the truth and have everyone doubt you. Poor guy. At least Legolas's 'error' about the child brought a smile to his face...much to Legolas's chagrin. He was just worried about a 'child'. Commendable, really.
I love the spy! I don't know who he is or if we'll ever see him again...but I loved the James Bond of Mirkwood! Great touch! Double 'o' seven with a bow!
It certainly is nice to have Eilian home! For a moment, I got all choked up when Galelas was standing all alone as everyone else's families came to greet them. But I did get a kick out of Maltanaur's wife making sure he was intact. I dare anyone else on the face of all of Arda to do that! I'm glad the sorry family finally dragged themselves over. I've got a bad feeling about Galelas....
And of course, the final scene where Eilian carried Celuwen off to their chambers while she is still trying to conduct business was priceless.
Wonderful, daw. It's such a pleasure to find an alert in my mailbox. I'm never disappointed. I look forward to the next installment.
Karen
Author's reply
This chapter was one of those plot set-up ones. I needed the Dwarves on their way to the Lonely Mountain and everyone else assembled at home and ready to go. And there really was about five weeks between the Dwarves' escape and any further actions the Elves took (that is, if "really was" can cover what happened in The Hobbit).
Legolas's mistake showed his goodheartedness. It's like the theme of pity in Tolkien. Lots of characters do things out of pity (like the Wood elves letting Gollum go outside) that seem a mistake at the time, but later they turn out to have been necessary for everything to work out. Kindness is never a mistake in Tolkien.
Thranduil's spies are fun! Legolas's keeper, Beliond, used to be one and so did Nithron (Sinnarn's keeper). I've decided Maltanaur never did though. Eilian needed a different kind of minder than the other two did. And Maltanaur is married, as we see. :-)
I was glad to be able to write about Eilian and Celuwen together again. Sigh. Coming home is even sweeter for him now.
Manderly
· 27 June 2004
· Chapter 12: Revelations
What a nice chapter, especially so after the angst of the last one. Sinnarn is behaving admirably through all this humiliation. I cannot help but see the similarities of the relationship between Sinnarn and Ithilden and the relationship that Thranduil has with his sons. It must be difficult for Ithilden too to draw the line between being a father and commander, as does Thranduil between father and king.
Poor Legolas. Eternity is a long time to be the butt of "hobbit" jokes. At least he no longer has to worry about the lost child.
And Eilian is at last home and claiming to be tired. Somehow I don't think he will be getting much rest this night, not with all the catching up he has to do with Celuwen.
You update so incredibly quickly, but I keep wanting more. This is really a great story!
Author's reply
Sinnarn is doing very well. Ithilden and Alfirin did a good job with him. I think Alfirin's continued presence is one thing making his life a little easier than that of Thranduil's sons. The relationship between Ithilden and Sinnarn can be difficult, but at least Alfirin is outside that whole chain of command. And she believes him.
At least Legolas has the comfort of knowing that his mistake showed up his kindness. And I'd think his family would know that too.
I was very glad to have Eilian come home so I could writing about him again. I missed him!
Tapetum Lucidum
· 27 June 2004
· Chapter 12: Revelations
For an non-action packed chapter this one was a lot of fun. I can see you passing the time until your long awaited Battle of 5 Armies Chapter.
I was glad to see Sinnarn handling his discipline with some maturity. I don't know if I could handle it either. Legolas is sweet to try to keep the subject light and distract everyone in the room. His continued concern over Hobbit is very sweet. I liked how everyone paraded after Thranduil to find out the scoop on the dwarves. Even immortals enjoy gossip.
Everyone seems to be trying to control their emotions in the Great Room. I loved the reactions of the 4 royals. Thranduil went from being disgusted over the dwarves to trying not to laugh at his youngest. Legolas' sincerety was lovely - though misplaced. He will never live this down. Sinnarn went from being terrified to trying not to laugh at his uncle. At least he was smiling. I imagine the two "Raft Elves" were trying really hard not to laugh as well. It is not advisable to laugh at a prince. Ithilden should have been able to contain himself a little better - he probably would have if it had been anyone but his youngest brother. Thranduil is wise to wonder about the actions of the Naugrim - but not made of stone if he can laugh at his son. I know Sinnarn hopes to redeem himself. I guess they will find out the truth about the escape soon enough.
Tinar - you threatened to kill him in your last response - please don't, he is way too much fun. By the way - how can Annael track dwarves when he has a cool compress over his eyes? It sounds like Sinnarn is going to get a bit of reprieve. He still should have wondered why his cup was so full. I don't think he deserves complete forgiveness yet. The Eastern patrol is going to have its hands very full very soon. I liked your Return of Their King line.
Your welcome home scene was very refreshing for the beleagured Southern Patrol. It was great to see them laughing and celebrating. Poor Galelas - can you imagine having to live with Tinar? shudder... Please don't kill him! Eilian is a lot more light-hearted since he married Celuwen. His relationship with his Adar seems much stronger too. It is good that he still has his "brat" to torture. Celuwen's departing comments to Thranduil were most appropriate given the situations. Great Job!
Author's reply
As I was writing this chapter, I thought I just needed a sign that said "time passes." Or maybe a calendar with the pages blowing off. :-) I needed the dwarves on their way to the mountain and Thranduil's family all together at home and ready to roll.
Legolas's family finally got to laugh at him about "Hobbit" just as the rest of us have been doing. But they laugh affectionately (just like the rest of us) because he is really is sweet to care so much about someone who he thinks is helpless.
Re The Return of the King: as I was writing this chapter, I was struck by the parallels between the two stories. It was as if Tolkien played it in a minor key first and then wrote the whole big epic sweep.
I was really happy when the Southern Patrol came home. I've missed Eilian. Not as much as Celuwen missed him though. ;-)
Anonymous
· 27 June 2004
· Chapter 12: Revelations
As usual, great chapter. Now can we all say "Poor Legolas?" Not as bad as Sinnarn, of course, but he is in for a most serious ribbing and unfortunately elves live forever. Can you imagine his family's reactions when he gets home from the quest and he tells them that a perain was the Ring Bearer?
I'm so glad Eilian is home gets some time with his wife. The dialogue as he carries her off is classic. Love this story!
Author's reply
As the youngest of three brothers, Legolas has fortunately learned to take teasing. And he's going to need to do it!
I was pleased to have Eilian around again. I've missed writing about him.
naneth
· 26 June 2004
· Chapter 11: Sinnarn's Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day
As someone that works with small children, I cannot tell you how many times I have had children brought to me by teacher's that say, "[fill in the appropriate child's name] is having a terrible, horrible, no good, very bad day. Would you please help them so that I can have a better day?" Therefore, your title made me LOL. I knew poor Sinnarn was in for some really bad trouble!
As a mother, this chapter really made me cringe. Poor Sinnarn!
Good job writing this chapter-maybe too good!
Author's reply
LOL. I'm not sure everyone recognized the title, Naneth, but it seemed appropriate. As a mother, the chapter made me cringe too. I could see that there was nothing any of them could do except let Sinnarn know they loved him anyway, but how awful for him. He was in bad trouble. But at least he now knows for sure that Emmelin loves him.
I'm glad you liked (?) the chapter.
Estel_Mi_Olor
· 26 June 2004
· Chapter 11: Sinnarn's Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day
That was a powerful chapter, excellent work! I especially liked the title! Diappointment is always worse to bear than anger, and perhaps the fact that none of his family was angry with him will punish Sinnarn more than a year as being a local messenger. It must be difficult for parents to realize that their children are adults, but not behaving as responsibly as they would wish. Alifrin had the right to cry, I suppose. Legolas was rather cowardly though. He may regret Sinnarn's behavior, but he should not avoid the latter like other warriors. Thranduil was magnificent though. It seemed he has finally learned after years of practice with Eilian that anger really does not acheive anything. I am impressed on the rein he had on his temper. Cheers Thranduil! I know Sinnarn will be forgiven in time, indeed he cannot be forever shunned for his fault. But I do hope Annael forgives him soon, for Emmelin's sake. And I knew she wouldn't be angry at Sinnarn! Cheers for a great chapter! (And it was Bilbo that drank Sinnarn's wine and poured more, wasn't it? That sneaky, tricksy hobbit ;) ) Keep writing!
Author's reply
Glad you liked the chapter title, Estel. I borrowed it from a children's book so it's like a little fan fic within a fan fic.
Sinnarn's family made it clear that they loved him, which probably makes their pain all the more painful for him. Legolas wasn't really avoiding him, but he had work to do and couldn't look like he was giving his nephew special treatment. I think it must be tough to have family and work so tangled together.
Thranduil really came through, didn't he? True he had a whole day to cool off, but he drew on all his wisdom to help his grandson.
Actually, I think Bilbo kept refilling their glasses and letting them drink it. Tricksy hobbit indeed!
French Pony
· 26 June 2004
· Chapter 11: Sinnarn's Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day
Even if you hadn't mentioned it before, I would have known you were a mom just from reading this. You really pulled out all the stops on this one, oh yes. Poor old Sinnarn got treated to the full palette of punishment. The blinding headache. The Sidelong-Glare. The Mom-Cries-At-The-Sight-Of-You. The Dad's-So-Disappointed-In-You (I-Thought-You-Were-An-Adult Variation). The Friends-Look-Nervous-On-Your-Behalf. And to Todith falls the ultimate, cherry on top, principal's office classic, Is-It-Possible-You-Could-Tell-Me-What-You-Were-Thinking. And the last, crowning touch, Stand-In-The-Corner-And-Think-About-Your-Behavior.
Don't tell me you didn't have fun writing all that.
Man, Sinnarn would probably have jumped at the chance to spend a few days in a U.S. Army stockade after that day. Ah, well. It seems Thranduil has had time to cool off from Angry King Thranduil to Doting Zayde Thranduil, and Emmelin still likes him, so there is first aid for Sinnarn's bruised, trampled ego.
Author's reply
Actually, I found it very painful to write all that! It made me squirm. I was a really soft touch as a mother. I am told that my graduate students are afraid of me, but my kid never was. (Maybe I'm like Thranduil!)
I was relieved when I got to write about Thranduil and Emmelin because by that time Sinnarn was so bruised and down. He needed Grandfather to be wise and Emmelin to love him anyway.
Elena Tiriel
· 26 June 2004
· Chapter 11: Sinnarn's Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day
Ah, Daw, you are giving me the overwhelming urge to say (*all together now! On the count of three -- one, two, three...*): Poor Sinnarn!
What a great chapter! I will now enjoy reading The Hobbit even more, now that I know the *real* story!
My favorite part: "apparently Nithron had no intention of abandoning him. Sinnarn blinked rapidly and looked at his blurring hands."
Well, Sinnarn wasn't the only one blinking rapidly by the end of this chapter!
Thanks, Daw! Can't wait to see what happens next...
- Barbara
Author's reply
I know. It's hard to think of anything more appropriate to say, isn't it? I say it myself. :-)
This story has been interesting to write because readers know what's going to happen as well as I do, and know what HAS happened better than the characters do. So I thought there might not be much suspense and people would lose interest, but they seem to like seeing this story from a different POV. Thank goodness.
I was so glad to be able to write about Emmelin at the end. Sinnarn needed unconditional love because, you know, poor Sinnarn!
Ms. Whatsit
· 25 June 2004
· Chapter 11: Sinnarn's Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day
You know, daw, I *cringed* when I read the title of this chapter in my inbox. In fact, for a moment I was all "Maybe I shouldn't read this..." But of course curiosity won out :).
The most terrible part of all of this is that Sinnarn really and truly thought he had drunk only one cup--but obviously that wasn't the case--and now he looks like a *liar* to Todith in addition to looking like a flake.
Alfirin is very, very wise to stay in the "mother" role and not reprimand him for professional mistakes. She, almost alone out of his entire family, has the luxury of just being a mother without any public role of command attached to her relationship with him. It's good that she didn't screw that up.
Ithilden did pretty well, too, in delegating the authority to deal with Sinnarn to Todith and making it clear that he would react to this mishap as a father and not a troop commander. Still, I can definitely see why Sinnarn wishes that Ithilden would just stay a troop commander. It's easier, less personal and less messy to disappoint a boss than a parent.
They all handled it well, in fact. There was some vintage Thranduil action going on there--disapproving, gentle, and making Sinnarn feel much worse than if he had just screamed at him, and yet saying things that Sinnarn really needed to hear. And Legolas did well too--intervening when there were facts that might help Sinnarn, but doing no more than that.
And Emmelin's in loooovve. *grin* That ending was great. Sinnarn needed that.
And I have a short list of characters I think are going to die in the Battle of the Five Armies. We'll see how right I am after you write that :).
Author's reply
LOL. The title is actually borrowed from a children's book: "Alexander's Terrible, etc." But Sinnarn's day was at least as bad, I'm afraid.
It would be really awful to tell the truth as you know it and just come out worse because now you look like a liar too.
But I did think the family handled it well, like the wise elves they are. They love him and they let him know, although Ithilden then had to take off his father hat and put on his commander one once Sinnarn was in his office. That must have been hard for him as well as Sinnarn.
I was relieved when I got to the part of this chapter where I got to write about Thranduil and Emmelin because they were both very good to him, and now he knows that Emmelin loves him and will do so through thick and thin. :-)
Dot
· 25 June 2004
· Chapter 11: Sinnarn's Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day
Great chapter title! You had me feeling sorry for Sinnarn before I even reached the first line.
Well, I suppose it could have been worse… Yeah, the people who mean the most to him are bitterly disappointed in him but at least he can be in no doubt that they love him.
I thought the whole part with Sinnarn waking up was done so well. I just cringed as bit by bit things come back to him. It’s interesting that he knows what other warriors will think because he’s seen it happen before to other people and was very likely one of those who judged them by their actions. Of course, it would have been bad enough to merely have been drinking but for the Dwarves to escape during his watch just makes things worse than he’d probably have ever thought possible.
It looks like Ithilden hasn’t even been to bed. I think Sinnarn is right that the relationship between father and child is so much more complicated than officer and warrior. Ithilden still sounds utterly horrified that his son could have behaved so irresponsibly. More than that, he seems genuinely upset. I’d imagine his tendency to blame himself isn’t helping matters either. Plus, he’s probably had to deal with Alfirin all night and if she’s anything like every other mother she’s probably the only one besides Sinnarn himself who is worried about how others will treat him now. I’m glad she kissed him. He needs her support.
Thank heavens for Nithron and Amdir. How awful for Sinnarn to have everyone avoid sitting next to him. And Annael! What he must think of the elf his daughter likely wants to marry… Still, he could have shown a teeny bit more support towards his friend’s nephew. Legolas himself must indeed have felt very awkward. What a horrible position to be in. I can see that Todith must be having a hard time figuring out what happened. It must sound completely bizarre that Sinnarn was drunk on duty. I notice nobody believes this “one cup” business. At least Galion backed up what he claims – it’s just a pity that particular elf’s reputation isn’t up to much. Actually, I wouldn’t like to be Todith having to tell Ithilden that he doesn’t trust his son. At least Ithilden doesn’t seem to have caused any bother. Local messenger sounds beyond humiliating. I don’t blame Sinnarn for wanting to flee to the woods. But he has such a commendable sense of responsibility to stay put. And I see he’s inherited the pessimistic (or realistic) tendencies of his family too.
Poor Calith seems to get all the trouble-makers to deal with. What did he ever do, I wonder. I’m beginning to think that even he misbehaved once, was sent to Ithilden’s office to do some paperwork and never, ever left. I must say, having Sinnarn stand to attention is just plain mean. He’ll go completely mad. To have Tinar question his wisdom must have been unbearable. I don’t know how someone hasn’t thrown one of those Oliphant-shaped paperweights at his head by now.
As bad as it was for Sinnarn to know that his father was next door, it must have been very difficult too for Ithilden to know that his son was outside, no matter how angry or upset he still is.
I bet it was no accident that Thranduil was in that garden. I admit I was thrilled by Thranduil’s reaction. It seems everyone has made a huge effort to only play particular roles in dealing with Sinnarn and not cross over – and Thranduil is very much the grandfather here. He has always handled Legolas in much the same way if he felt that his son was truly sorry, I think, as Sinnarn most certainly is here – Thranduil lets him know that he did make a serious mistake but encourages him to accept it, learn from it and move on. How wise he is when he doesn’t lose his temper! I’d say he only would have been very angry with Sinnarn if he showed little remorse. Anyway, Thranduil is probably half glad those Dwarves are gone. I wonder if Legolas has given up the search for young Hobbit?
Ah, Emmelin. From her reaction it does sound as though she’s heard plenty on the topic of Sinnarn but I’m so, so glad she’s supportive of him. It actually seems as though the incident has made her realise how much she loves him. But then, maybe she thinks that he was so depressed at not being able to dance with her that he drank himself into a stupor;-)
Poor Sinnarn (again). I hope things improve for him. I’ve been worried about him from the start of this story because of that dream Ithilden once had. But we’ll see… There’s plenty more excitement in store, I suppose:-)
Author's reply
The chapter title is borrowed from a children's book, "Alexander's Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day." I've always liked the sound of that and I think Sinnarn's day was far worse than Alexander's.
I thought that Ithilden would probably have been up all night directing the search for the Dwarves, and also, as you say, dealing with Alfirin. And I figure, if Thranduil exploded at anyone, it was Ithilden, who was, after all, ultimately in charge. Poor guy. He's been home about a week and may think that Dol Guldur looks cosy about now.
And yeah, I'm a mother too, and I would be worried sick about how mean everyone was going to be to my baby, even as I wanted to kill the baby for behaving so badly.
I like your theory about Calith! Actually, as an OC, he's growing on me. He seems like one of those people that a troop commander wouldn't be able to do without. I edit a journal and my editorial assistant is like that. If she ever quits, we're just going to have to close down.
It is awfully hard to picture what the day must have been like for Ithilden too, knowing that Sinnarn was there and was unhappy. After all, I assume there's part of Ithilden that still sees Sinnarn as his little boy, who should be protected.
Thranduil was great! He was, indeed, very grandfatherly in the best sense, bringing ages of wisdom to bear and making it clear that he loved Sinnarn. And Emmelin--I was so glad when she showed up. At least the last part of the chapter was more pleasant to write. He knows that she truly loves him now.