elliska
· 30 August 2004
· Chapter 99999: Apologia Slashaphobia
I teach spanish medieval literature where it is not uncommon for ladies to hold hands, walk arm-in-arm or kiss on the cheeks or for men to declare their love and devotion (brotherly) for one another and especially their masters. It always amazes me that I must explain to the students in each instance that this is a perfectly natural expression of love between friends. So if you were getting grief for your story, I feel for you. It was clear to me and I am enjoying your story. It is very unique. I look forward to your updates. Put the ones who cannot follow you out of your mind.
I'm amazed you even had to write this, and consider it rather ridiculous that you had to. For what it's worth, I thought your meaning was perfectly clear. (Besides, Elf/Hobbit? Ew.)
Lamiel
· 30 August 2004
· Chapter 99999: Apologia Slashaphobia
Well said. I never thought that you intended to slash Legolas (much less with Bandobras - ick!) but the last letter was, erm, a bit strong on the affection, so I'm glad you've set things straight. While I don't mind slash so long as the story is well written, it must be exceptional quality to justify what Professor Tolkien would surely see as a depravation of his characters. And I think it is a pity that we modern readers (Americans mostly) tend to assume that love must be of the eros form, as you so eloquently put it. I think we lose a lot by that assumption, and close ourselves off from the pure love and friendship that Tolkien intended.
Nymh
· 30 August 2004
· Chapter 99999: Apologia Slashaphobia
I'm reminded of the hypervigilant Puritan leader who, for fear of corruption, envisioned it in all things. Sorry you even had to write this note, LeRouret, over such a lovely, pure relationship.
Joana
· 30 August 2004
· Chapter 99999: Apologia Slashaphobia
Actually this Legolas/Bandy thing hadn't even crossed my mind. And you're right, professor Tolkien was a Christian and I don't really think he would ever make any of his characters gay.
I must admit I really don't like slash neither in LOTR fictions nor in Harry Potter's where they always slash Remus and Sirius. Can't two people just be friends anymore? It really annoyed me when people started making comments about Frodo and Sam during the movie. Where is the innocence in this world? Why does everything have to be sexual? I'm sorry but this is something that upsets me a little. :)
Duchess
· 30 August 2004
· Chapter 99999: Apologia Slashaphobia
Well now if THAT doesn't clear things up, nothing ever will. LOL
Nicely said! :)
Wantanelf
· 30 August 2004
· Chapter 99999: Apologia Slashaphobia
Oh people, just relax wouldya. I can't believe some readers thought you were slashing Legolas and Bandobras. Le Rouret, I just love The Green Knight and My Dear Bandobras (and I don't mean eros), I look forward everyday to a new chapter (letter) of My Dear Bandy and am rewarded frequently. This fiction is so cleverly written it has truly been a joy to read and I'm sure will continue to be so. I dread the end. I'm sorry I have been remiss in reviewing up until now. I'll try to mend my ways, but know I am a devoted fan.
Laure
· 30 August 2004
· Chapter 99999: Apologia Slashaphobia
Aiya, thank you so very much for writing this... note, should I call it? It does not quite fit that category... Anyway, you said what I've been trying to say to some people who think things that *I* write are slash when they are *not*, simply because I do follow the close emotional relationships between some people. You are very right; sex and love do not necessarily equate, and not only do Americans (well, most of us) twist this way out of proportion, also most fictions, which readers I think are probably influenced by, do as well. I mean, really... "I love you, now let's jump in bed"? That isn't love at all. That's lust, and it has nothing to do with love. This holds true for both slash and het work, btw...
Also, I want to let you know I have enjoyed this work and the one before it, and I see nothing improper in it. In fact, "dear little" Bandobras *is* dear. He's a sweet, eager, and determined child, as well as being rather intelligent. So... keep writing.
Duchess
· 29 August 2004
· Chapter 28
The author has stated that this (and The Green Knight) is (are) kinda like LotR meets Ivanhoe in the flowery language department and Legolas is NOT gay. To be perfectly honest, I don't understand how people can get that impression at all. He loves Bandy almost like a son, or even just as a very dear friend, but most assuredly NOT as a lover! *insert heebie jeebie fit at the thought*
Legolas was feeling ashamed of not thinking of his betrothed in those wishful thoughts because he really does NOT want to get married at all still and just hasn't realized it yet. My opinion, you can't hold the author to that, okay? LOL
Carol
· 28 August 2004
· Chapter 28
I've been enjoying this story, and enjoying the reviews too. It's fun to watch people get so caught up in events.
Until the last couple of letters, I had regretfully been thinking that Legolas really wasn't being fair to the Infant. His reasons for marrying had nothing to do with love, and everything to do with what he could get out of the arrangement: a treaty, a dowry, someone to labor for him, and someone to bear children for him. (Even in the earliest days, when he was most smitten by her beauty and his aides pulled the stunt of writing his proposal without his knowlege, his reasons for putting the brakes on were that it would jeapordize the treaty.)
Given his culture, there's nothing disonorable about these motives. What was unfair was that he made such an arrangement with an ignorant young girl, never made his expectations clear, and then rushed off to do everything except get to know her. I felt for Legolas, but feeling for him and approving of his behavior weren't the same.
Now, though, he has started making things clear - and I don't think he'll be well repaid! Despite being spoiled rotten, the Infant is evidently clever, skilled at manipulation, and hardworking (when she chooses). And she's furious and likely to get more so. I see plenty of trouble ahead.
And now on a different note... Early on in this story, it seemed to me that the tone Legolas took toward Bandy was almost more suited to romance than to an adult addressing a child, and that anything of that sort would really be quite creepy given Bandy's age. Then nothing came of it and I decided I had just been reacting to the flowery language, as well as looking for disaster (that author's note really did cast an air of doom over the early chapters).
But now suddenly Legolas is talking about desires which should not be filled, and how it's shameful that he doesn't think of his wife in this... It startled me, and I read it again, wondering if I was taking it wrong.
My conclusion was that it wasn't completely clear what Legolas meant, but it was certainly an easy paragraph to read romantic interest in. (Fortunately, it's not quite as creepy now that Bandy's older. Still creepy though, since Legolas hasn't seen Bandy since he was a kid.) So I'm wondering if either there is interest (which would lead to trouble), or if other characters will gain the false impression that there is (which would lead to trouble).
I was relieved to see that I was the only one to form this impression though, so hopefully I'm probably seeing things that aren't there.
It's strange how a story can be so funny, and yet also leave you genuinely feeling for the characters.
Joana
· 28 August 2004
· Chapter 28
Delayed? Not cancelled?! Oh... I just hope that during the tournament something may reveal how bad she is and get this wedding over for good!
"...she railed against Dúrfinwen and Seimiel but I defended them saying they did naught but that which I as their lord did properly require of them."
Of course. We were expecting her to do something like that...
"...indeed Andunië has said unto me that she has thrown herself into the preparations for the Tournament with all enthusiasm and interest, applying her energies to its workings and heeding instruction with meekness"
Smart, isn't she? Fortunately there are smarter people around!(I hope.)
Congratulations on the wedding of Seimel with Kaimelas. I hope she knows what she is doing and is happy.
Ms. Whatsit
· 27 August 2004
· Chapter 28
*dances*
I bet she won't change. She's got something devilish planned.
And as for Bandy...well. Perhaps the sad part of this story has more to do with Hobbits and the Gift of Men than any ditzy elf-maid.
Lamiel
· 27 August 2004
· Chapter 28
At last. At long last. If the princeling hasn't yet attained enlightenment, at least he is on his way. I can only hope that he will be wise enough to see through the tramp's ploy at pretending to organize the tournament.
And thank the Valar for Kailemas. I was growing somewhat concerned about this Seimiel - I think some of your readers were in favor of her ensnaring Legolas instead, and I am grateful that that particular possibility is gone. Whew!
"It is very difficult to write when one's head is being wrenched from side to side." Hee!
Duchess
· 27 August 2004
· Chapter 28
A delay is good, wonderful even, but still not as good as breaking off the engagement entirely. *sighing with relief at even the briefest of reprieves*
My fear that she is pretending to go along with his orders has been realized, however and I fear what she may do in retaliation to the two she named.
What the heck is this about Seimiel and Kaimelas? WHERE did that come from? Is she saying yes to his proposal because she feels there's no hope with Legolas whatsoever? How depressing! :(:(:( That's not going to be a happy marriage, I'm afraid. *pouting now*
I find it very telling that Legolas made no mention of Laustaire in his wishful thinkings of traveling with Bandy all about Middle Earth and love that HE even remarked on it as well! *gleeful chuckling* How anyone could misconstrue THAT as Legolas being gay is beyond me though, because it's obvious he cares for the Hobbit more like a son as well as a dear friend by far over anything else. (Can you tell I'm still irked by backreading your reviews of this fic? lol)
Kaimelas is funny, jerking Legolas' head about while removing his braids when he's trying to finish the letter. *vbg* That's just the sort of funny touch I love to this particular story. Please do keep up the great work, as often as possible. :):):)
LOTR lover
· 26 August 2004
· Chapter 27
Hurray! This whole letter is a primer on How to Lose Your Fiance. Hurray!
lotr_lover2@hotmail.com
· 26 August 2004
· Chapter 27
Ms. Whatsit
· 26 August 2004
· Chapter 27
What a little drama queen. You'd think they were starving her. So now the question is, is she simply going to sulk or does she have something more deadly in mind that will actually cause harm?
Lamiel
· 26 August 2004
· Chapter 27
At last! At last! Hallelujah! Oh, I'm so happy! I was grinning all through the little tramp's temper tantrum. And I laughed aloud at her whining about not having an answer back from Cirdan yet - though it has been but one day. Ha! "O what desolation is mine, what gloom and despair!" Mwahahahahaha! And I'm sure Legolas did nothing more than gently point out that she might attend a council meeting once in a while.
The only thing that concerns me is this supposed determination to keep hanging on to Legolas. Spoiled little brat just can't bear to have her plaything taken away, I suppose. It isn't like she really cares for him, apart from his looks.
"Now I am certain he never did love me – I have had this from his very lips – I am to be his wife solely as a slave, a common servant in the household upon whom he will heap dreadful labor and arduous drudgery and toil!" Heh heh heh.
Duchess
· 26 August 2004
· Chapter 27
LOL I'm alternately laughing and growling at this simpering little fool. Again I ask, are there no hungry wargs around she can be fed to? I'll toss her into the pack personally and stay to watch as they rip her apart, laughing while she screams. Come on, please? You know you want to! *evil grin*
I hope like crazy Legolas doesn't take her change in behavior as a GOOD sign! How I wish someone else would see this particular letter before it's mailed. *sigh* Too much to hope for, I know.
I'm still cracking up over Seimiel be singled out in said letter by the infantile bitca... Gee, I wonder why? *giggling again*
TieAillin Alcarion
· 26 August 2004
· Chapter 27
Whew! So when confronted with her idleness, she decides to become an ice maiden? Sounds like *that's* a plan. I'm sure Legolas will capitulate...heeheee...poor guy.
Really, you've captured a certain type of adolescent girl quite well. It does sound to me like she needs to go on an Outward Bound M.E. trip. Perhaps she gets blown off course on the way back to Cirdan and ends up on a friendly but primitive island who has no clue who she is, and she is --horrors--forced to work or starve. Or perhaps she is sent to visit a far land, and "accidentally" ends up elsewhere in hard circumstances (by arraignment between Cirdan and the head people there)...if she's left at court it's doubtful she'll ever grow up.
But Legolas needs kids. I hope he ends up falling for Nerdainie (sorry, can't go back and look up her name).
Smiles,
Tracey
Walking with Elves
LOTR lover
· 26 August 2004
· Chapter 26
Ahhhh... A breath of fresh air and wondrous wisdom from the pen of the King of Gondor. Legolas, be wise; listen to your friend!
Ms. Whatsit
· 25 August 2004
· Chapter 26
Yay! Aragorn to the Rescue!
Now, how will Legolas react, I wonder? Both Gimli and Aragorn agree on this issue. Will he see reason or will the opposition just make him more stubborn then ever? Hmm.
Aislynn Crowdaughter
· 25 August 2004
· Chapter 26
Ah! Finally a true word from a very close and very wise friend! Thanks the Valar for Aragorn and his close friendship with Legolas! Now I only hope this will get through to Legolas fogged mind, and he will not begrudge it his friend to be so open. Listen to Aragorn, Legolas!
Masterly done, this leter and al the rest; this story is really great! I can't wait to read more!
Aislynn
Joana
· 25 August 2004
· Chapter 26
Ah. I'm very much relieved! Now I'm almost sure Legolas will not marry Laustarie... thank you! Aragorn is right, if she cannot understand the effort he has put into building those lands and his great battle skills then she doesn't truly know who he is and therefore can't love him. When you love someone, you love both that person's virtues and worse qualities. You love that person as a whole and not because of a), b) or c).
I was also hoping we could get a description of the next tournament and all the activities there. Can it be arranged? ;)
Lamiel
· 25 August 2004
· Chapter 26
Yes! Yes! I was waiting for Aragorn to pitch in, and again he's said everything exactly right, and I do hope that Legolas listens to him. Surely he respects and loves Aragorn more than any other Man - he cannot ignore him, nor the truth of his warnings.
"a maid who does not nor cannot deserve you." Truer words were never spoken. And further, this revelation of their uncomfortableness together, that they cannot even share small talk, is something that Legolas himself has noted as being wrong.
So wake up and smell the miruvour, Legolas, and DUMP THE TWIT. And please, don't get involved with anyone else either. All this romantic twatter is enough to give even an Elf ulcers.