Curiouser and curiouser! Can't wait to find out who's behind the conspiracy...
Just how efficient is the Valinorean judicial system, anyhow? How often is it needed? Not very often, I would have believed before this story... :)
- Barbara
Author's reply
H'mmm, yes, that will be interesting. (Must remember not to admit that I keep changing my mind.)
They must have a judicial system of sorts - there's probably not a huge amount of crime, although I think, given thousands of elves, there must be some, but they must have some kind of civil justice system for disputes. But I suspect it's not very analytical - because it wouldn't need to be really. Elves are fairly law-abiding and honest, so I doubt they go in much for forensic science and scene of crime officers. Possibly more the George Washington-I-cannot-tell-a-lie model of investigation. Which is all right until you get someone who is happy to tell any number of lies.
Jay of Lasgalen
· 28 July 2004
· Chapter 7: Fishing
This story is getting better and better! The beginning with Thranduil and Elerrina was sweet - he makes a wonderful grandada. So the attack on Legolas was all the more unexpected, but why? A sort of warning?
The network of wives is highly efficient, I like the way they operate, and they seem to hear all the gossip. Elrohir is indeed clever to work out who has been set up a stooge for this, but he had better be careful himself - if he gets too close, the plotters may arrange another 'accident'.
Jay
Author's reply
Elrohir does need to be careful - I expect Thranduil and Elrond are not going to be too happy about their sons putting themselves in the way of danger.
And the female side of the family is providing Sherlock Elrohir with plenty of information.
The whole story is, in fact, getting out of hand - there is so much happening and so many people rushing around, I know it's all going to fall apart! But it's fun.
Marnie
· 26 July 2004
· Chapter 6: Late
Yep, the younger generation are definately the smart ones of the gang. Perhaps because they're still relatively unhurt and trusting. Either way, why not have those Noldor along who want to go? It's not as though they're not a particularly unmixed bunch already.
We seem to be converging again. My next chapter will feature Celeborn visiting Finarfin and Earwen too. But given the rate of your writing (I don't know how you manage it) you'll probably be on chapter 10 by then. I do hope so - I'm very much enjoying this.
Author's reply
Actually, I'm on chapter 11. (Keeping some in hand in case my brain freezes - and it gives me a chance to read them back and see if they make sense.)
I'm sure I'll find yours a lot more exciting.
I think a lot of these elves are just throwing tantrums because they're bored. It doesn't seem to be the ones who have day jobs - more the late teenage, early twenties types with more money than sense (human ages, not elven). Do them a power of good to have to work in the forest.
Marnie
· 26 July 2004
· Chapter 5: Getting There
Ooh, I wonder who the elves are who have come this way before. Woodelves, Avari, Teleri sailing up the river from the sea...? They're not going to be greatly pleased to form part of a new colonisation - or are they?
Thank goodness for Glorfindel, and further amusement growing to annoyance for Haldir!
Author's reply
Well - there are some I can't imagine sitting in stone walls for too long. I can just see them seeking out a nice quiet private spacious forest. They mightn't mind new people - I suppose it will rather depend on how they mean to live. On the other hand, they might get all up in arms and want to get rid of the invasion.
(I wasn't desperately fond of the movie Haldir - it might have affected my image of him!)
Marnie
· 26 July 2004
· Chapter 4: Paper Chase
Aha! The plot thickens. I think the young sons are proving themselves here, all three of them seem to have come up with good suggestions. Though, may I ask why their wives are not at the council?
Celebrian and Galadriel are more than a match for the young ellyn. I almost wish they would be spotted, so that Galadriel could give the youngsters a taste of her 'all shall love me and despair!' side. That would teach them to get all stuck up about the so called 'newcomers.' :)
Author's reply
I think it's Thranduil. He's a bit of a chauvinist - easily coaxed by the females, but not too keen on equality. Especially when it's Galadriel.
I can't help but feel that, if caught, Galadriel and Celebrian would just pat the brats on the cheeks and walk away - what could youngish elves do to ladies of power like them? The grandsons would have had a much harder time.
Galadriel as a newcomer is a bit difficult, isn't she? I bet they just leave her out when they are whingeing, having set up some kind of mental exclusion.
I mean - born there in the time of the Trees, the High King's daughter, (probably) the most powerful female elf of all, and TOUGH. They probably give her a pass.
Marnie
· 26 July 2004
· Chapter 2: Afield
Love the interplay between Glorfindel and Haldir! Haldir seems rather up himself ;) - all that 'martyr's heroic death' thing must have gone to his head. And the whole 'who's in charge here, Rivendell or Lorien' thing was amusing in the circs. It will be a wonder if it doesn't come to inter-realm warfare without any other threat that might be lurking.
Author's reply
Yes... Haldir is not my favourite elf. I suspect there is bound to be a bit of inter-realm confrontation - although maybe Lasgalen would be the outsider mostly, since Galadriel and Celeborn are grandparents to Imladris. On the other hand Lorien and Lasgalen are wood elves... We'll just have to see how it goes!
Nilmandra
· 24 July 2004
· Chapter 6: Late
Nice to see the adult ellyn here figuring out how useful the ellyth can be. And go Galadriel and Celebrian! Sometimes Celeborn needs to be reminded that he didn't marry nor raise wimps.
And yes, invite them with! Lets see how they like 'roughing it'!
Author's reply
Ellyth are greatly underestimated. They can do all sorts of things that brave warriors cannot. Galadriel and Celebrian are certainly not wimps - I wouldn't dare cross either of them.
I'd like to see some of those swanky Noldor dealing with life in the forest.
(Looking forward to your next chapter!)
daw the minstrel
· 23 July 2004
· Chapter 6: Late
A very exciting chapter! I loved the way that Celebrian and Galadriel stood up to their husbands and sons. Good for them. And yet, Elrond's reminder of the pain he suffered when Celebrian was wounded is also poignant.
Boredom is never a good thing, especially in young males. I read somewhere that any society has to decide how to manage its young males so they don't tear the place apart.
The wives should make good spies. I like that!
Author's reply
I recall somewhere reading about an experiment with rats where they were given plenty of food, but overcrowding and boredom led to the males all fighting and killing each other, while the females became depressed and ate their young. Young males definitely need to be kept busy and involved.
The wives will make excellent spies - because no-one will suspect a thing!
Thank you.
Jay of Lasgalen
· 23 July 2004
· Chapter 6: Late
I had no idea how chauvanistic some elves can be! It's quite true that if E2 had done the same thing, nothing would have been said. Elladan's comment to his mother and grandmother was great:
‘I am not happy,’ Elladan said tightly, ‘about your putting yourselves in a situation where you were at risk.’ Remind me, just who is the parent here?
Celebrian's remark about orcs stopped everyone in their tracks, and was a stark reminder that a few plotting elves could do nothing that hasn't already happened to her. I think it also shows how far she has come in her recovery.
Jay
Author's reply
I think they would be fairly chauvinistic - the males are the sword-wielders and protectors. However, Celebrian and Galadriel are not likely to let them get away with such sloppy thinking.
Ironic, isn't it - Elladan worrying about people putting themselves in danger.
And what would these plotting elves have done to a couple of rather scary Ladies of their power and experience? They might have wanted to do something -but I don't think they would have had the nerve.
Nilmandra
· 20 July 2004
· Chapter 5: Getting There
Oh, a conspiracy or some unknown force in the woods! I might add that Glorfindel is a wonderful leader, but we all knew that already. Haldir should maybe 'ask' the trees what is going on, since he is so in tune with them. Silly elf.
It must be exciting for these elves to explore new lands, unmarred and untainted.
Author's reply
Very exciting - especially for the Wood Elves, particularly those from Mirkwood. A conspiracy in the woods - yes, indeed.
Maybe the trees don't want to talk to Haldir! (He irritates me! Why wouldn't he annoy the trees?)
Rose Sared
· 16 July 2004
· Chapter 5: Getting There
Bounces around in her chair - Yeah, they are getting to explore and there are eyes in the woodpile!
What fun!
If you would like any landscape inspiration look at my photos from the South Island posted on SOA yahoo- this story sounds so like my holiday :)
Rose
Author's reply
South Island - beautiful place. Do so agree it could only be improved by the addition of elves!!
This is getting a bit like trying to control a team of galloping horses. (But I'm hanging in there so far.)
daw the minstrel
· 16 July 2004
· Chapter 5: Getting There
Oh I am so curious as to who is watching them!
I liked Glorfindel's temptation to crumple up Haldir's nose a bit. And I also liked Haldir's closer understanding of the trees. Wood-elves can be difficult but they are useful on a trip like this.
Author's reply
Wood-elves are indeed useful in the deep dark forests! And Haldir does seem to me to ask to have his face rearranged a trifle.
(This is developing a cast of thousands. I'm beginning to forget who is where!)
Jay of Lasgalen
· 16 July 2004
· Chapter 5: Getting There
Interesting. Who has been among the trees already, and who is watching them? Bearing in mind the length of time that Valinor has been inhabited, it's not surprising that others have got there before them.
I like Rindor - he's surprisingly versatile - but Haldir is just being annoying. I hope he falls in a river soon!
Jay
Author's reply
Do you know I felt that Haldir should fall in the river - he is just a bit too smug. Yes, I can think of elves who would sneak off to distant forests rather than hang around the old established folks.
I've taken to Rindor - he has a sense of humour. Unlike Haldir.
Thank you for reading and commenting.
Rose Sared
· 15 July 2004
· Chapter 4: Paper Chase
>We should, of course, go straight home and put this information in other >hands. You do realise that your adar would be extremely annoyed if we were >to put ourselves in any danger, do you not? Not to mention Elrond!’
>Their eyes met. ‘So we go and take a look then,’ Celebrian suggested
Ha, and again, Ha! You go girls!
Great stuff, and at last a hint of a serpent in an otherwise boring paradise. Well done.
Rose
Author's reply
Feminist elves. Well, not really - just two tough independent women. They will let the males get on with running things if it keeps them happy - until they want to do something different.
Paradise wouldn't be paradise without serpents. And argumentative elves couldn't possible live in eternal peace.
Thank you.
Jule
· 15 July 2004
· Chapter 4: Paper Chase
Okay I love Celebrien and I admit it Galadriel. They stupid young lords will never know what hit them. I admit I'm imaging and would love to read about the women finding out the plot then bursting into the meeting and filling our favorite elves in. It would be a great way to bring them into the council. Besides if Thranduil and Galadriel do decide to work together, along with the others, those oposing them would be smart to hide under their beds
The meeting part was funny. Our poor bored elflings, After all this time of wanting Ada's to treat them as grownups and now they are proably regretting it.
Thanks for writing
Jule
Author's reply
Elflings always look on being grown-up as being able to do fun things - by the time they realise it means meetings and bills and getting up every morning, it's too late. Poor E2L.
I can't see Celebrian and Galadriel accepting life as maidens in distress waiting to have dragons slain for them. Anyone challenging them will find themselves in serious trouble. I would like to see Thranduil and Galadriel get over it - the trouble is that they are quite alike. Galadriel could probably appreciate some of Thranduil's qualities as long as he doesn't try to tell HER what to do, but I think Thranduil likes his women a bit more girly.
Thank you for reading.
Jay of Lasgalen
· 13 July 2004
· Chapter 4: Paper Chase
Somehow, I get the feeling that the only ones to get hurt should the spies and conspirators meet will be the conspirators. I'd bet against Galadriel and Celebrian any day! But it's a worrying development.
I like the meeting about the planned expansion - poor Elladan. I've been to more than a few such boring meetings in my time, and he nearly got away with it! Elrohir and Legolas are clearly more suited to such things (but I'm not sure if that's a good thing or a bad thing!)
Jay
Author's reply
Not enough people at the meeting to manage to go to sleep - and elves sleep with their eyes open, very helpful. I don't know if Legolas would have the nerve to drop off to sleep; I imagine Thranduil has insisted he learn to endure the tedium in a princely manner. Elrohir is actually appearing to develop a bit more interest in managing rather than simply ruling.
Yes, I wouldn't care to see what would happen to the conspirators if they decided to challenge Galadriel and Celebrian. They would be toast!
(This is getting very complicated, with an increasing cast - maybe Elladan is not going to be the only one with management issues!)
Nilmandra
· 13 July 2004
· Chapter 4: Paper Chase
Ooh, go Galadriel and Celebrian! I would fully expect them to follow these conspirators and learn what is going on. The trees will protect them. I also do not think Valinor was up for any more kinslayings.
Elladan is hilarious. I hate meetings without agendas, where decisions are not made and nothing is accomplished. I'm not sure I hide my boredom any better than he does :D
Author's reply
Meetings are so deadly, aren't they. I think the ability to sleep without being observed would be a perfect quality to develop. I don't blame Elladan a bit - give the elf something interesting to do!
Galadriel and Celebrian - master spies. Valinor might be against kinslaying, but you always get the total idiots who don't think through what they are doing. I can't picture much crime there, but I can imagine some nastiness. (Mostly of the snobbish variety!)
Marnie
· 13 July 2004
· Chapter 3: At Home
LOL! Oh, I love Celeborn and Galadriel's fiery relationship in this. She seriously needs someone like him, who neither worships her - like most men - nor fears her - like Thranduil. I like the idea that it seemed like such cute behaviour in the little golden-haired elleth that her family let her get away with it for too long :)
All the same, I should have liked to see the shouting match which could have ensued if she *had* slapped Thranduil. I'm sure he *would* have slapped her back. Celeborn would have, if she'd tried it on him :)
Author's reply
I really think that's why they are still together - they are equals, and it must be really hard to be Galadriel and have everybody being wary of you for one reason or another. And ain't it the truth that many badly behaved kids are the result of no early discipline.
I would be quite interested in the outcome of a Galadriel / Thranduil grudge match. I couldn't quite decide whether he would slap her back or put her over his knee - but they are both rather politically incorrect these days. I think she has learned not to slap Celeborn - probably in the same way! Best left to the imagination, probably.
Thank you for reading/commenting. Now you get back to the keyboard!!
Nilmandra
· 9 July 2004
· Chapter 3: At Home
I like that Celeborn is not afraid to tweak his wife a bit! He yanks her chain, but I like how he loves that she is strong and capable too.
The twins had no idea - they are right - being a warrior and commanding them is altogether different than undisciplined civilians!
I also like that Celeborn sees the good of being in Valinor - a daughter healed, as son-in-law unburdened, his wife free of that burden, his grandsons free. None of that could happen in marred middle-earth.
Author's reply
Celeborn would have to be tough to deal with Galadriel - and they would have to have a lot of give and take in their relationship. I don't think either of them could have spent x thousand years with a wimp - they would have been bored to death. I'm glad Celeborn sees the advantages to having come to Valinor - and now that he has plenty to do, he will find himself very much at home.
The twins are having to grow up and do boring adult things like organise food supplies - and deal with people who need to be coaxed into doing what they want. I'm sure they will manage to escape to play in the woods, though. Their wives understand that they need freedom to counteract the responsibility.
daw the minstrel
· 9 July 2004
· Chapter 3: At Home
A nice little provocative glimpse into the reasons for the dislike between Thranduil and Galadriel. Galadriel's anger was amusing (from here anyway). And I'd like to be there if she ever hauls off and slaps Thranduil. Celeborn is a brave husband!
Author's reply
Celeborn is brave - but he would be a gibbering wreck if he couldn't cope with Galadriel by now! I wonder how Thranduil would react if she did slap him. I hope she decides that she doesn't want to find out! She couldn't have survived quite this long without some idea of self-preservation. I do think that the causes of eternal dislike are often quite small - and probably come from misunderstanding rather than intention.
Jay of Lasgalen
· 9 July 2004
· Chapter 3: At Home
Another good chapter - the plans are coming on well. Poor Elrohir - even as he protested the work he'd have to do, he proved how good he'd be. I loved his reaction when Elladan tried to wriggle out of it. I sympathise though - I think they'd be far better suited to an active role in the exploration than organising and planing. I like the way both wives know how they would fret if left behind.
Jay
Author's reply
Poor Elrohir indeed - but you can't spend all your immortal life chasing orcs, especially not there aren't any! I don't think Elladan will be able to get out of the boring side of this altogether, but I'm sure they'll be able see some action. Their wives want to keep them happy, and are prepared to let them go off and play.
(The whole tale is getting a bit complicated, with a cast of thousands. I'm starting to panic.)
Jule
· 9 July 2004
· Chapter 3: At Home
I love these stories and was happy to see another part. I can't help it though, I like Thranduil and see his point. Galadriel is a hypocrite. She is "pretending" to sit back while runnning the show. Thranduil would have had more respect (if still been annoyed) if she had taken part. In trying to placate him, she has insulted his intelligence.
Why didn't the others understand why Thranduil took Galadriel saying he was like her brother as an insult when she flat out said, she meant it as an insult.
Sirinthiel was great. I loved that she called Galadriel on questing whether or not she trusted her grandsons and Legolas.
Celeborn is great. He has come into his own.
Can't wait for the next part. I hope it has my favorite Mirtwood Elves in it.
Thanks
Jule
Author's reply
Do I get the feeling that you are not among Galadriel's fans? Galadriel isn't exactly running the show - not with elves like Celeborn, Thranduil and Elrond around. Negotiation would be the order of the day, I'm afraid.
I know saying that someone is like your brother can be a bit of an insult, but brothers aren't usually that bad!
I'm hoping that Galadriel and Thranduil manage to come to a bit of an accommodation - but it won't be easy, they're both rather dogmatic, proud and bossy.
I rather like the twins' wives (although they're invented and Not Canon).
And Celeborn is great - he understands Galadriel (as she does him) and they can cope with each other. After x thousand years, you would hope that would be the case.
The Mirkwood elves are appearing - but the cast of characters is spiralling rather.
Thank you for reading.
Nilmandra
· 3 July 2004
· Chapter 2: Afield
Oh, Glorfindel! 'we can always make up the records later' - spoken like a true 'get the job done' kind of elf!
This looks to be a great expedition - and its good to give a Balrog slayer a bit of excitement in his life. Annoying techincal specialists are always amusing :D
Author's reply
Records - who needs 'em! The best ones are always fudged later - when things are happening, who has time to write them down!
Glorfindel is quite excited by the opportunity - and very happy he has not got stuck behind organising things. It would be the technical specialists making difficulties - too keen to show of their expertise.
daw the minstrel
· 3 July 2004
· Chapter 2: Afield
Omigod, you work with either engineers or computer folks, don't you? I laughed when I got to the part about how it would be the technical specialists who caused problems. Ain't that the truth!
Author's reply
I don't actually - but they are just the sort of people . . . (massive generalisation, any personal intention denied!!)
But it would be them, wouldn't it?
Marnie
· 30 June 2004
· Chapter 1: Beginnings
Oh, I do like this! It's nice to see Thranduil, Elrond and Celeborn trying to agree on anything :) It must have been a bit like this during the White Council meetings, except that I bet Galadriel didn't have the patience to sit them out for the sake of unity. You're absolutely right - they have to have something to do now, and it's going to take years (if ever) of working together before they forget their differences. You're making me very curious though, as to what did happen to Thranduil's wife!
It's getting embarrassing - this business of me asking if I can put everything you write on my website, but I must do it again, as this it such a great series. Do make it a long story if you can - I'd love to know what happens next. And can I please put this on the website?
Author's reply
Yes, of course you can put it on your website - although I can make no guarantees about how long or interesting it will turn out. This is probably the first thing I'm trying where I can't hold the whole thing in my head in one go, and that could spell disaster.
I don't know how long Galadriel will be able to keep her temper - and Mrs. Thranduil might well feature in some way. Afraid I'm still rather woolly over some of the threads.