daw the minstrel
· 27 March 2005
· Chapter 4: Found
I'm really impressed with how good a father your Thranduil is, with both his adult children and the younger ones. He seems to be able to treat Bregolas and Lathron more or less as equals. And he feels such a connection to his youngest that he knows to look in the snowdrift.
Tinania's memory of celebrating Mid-Winter in the cave actually brought tears to my eyes.
It's interesting that Legolas starts issuing apologies as soon as he's home and safe. He knows he did something foolish and he wants to be reconciled with those he loves. But they're so gentle with him.
You know, I can see Lathron and Tinania as a couple. As a matter of fact, I'd very much like to see that.
Author's reply
Poor Legolas - he knows it was a dumb thing to do, but how to undo it? He can't, and between his confusion over why he was angry and why someone would say such things, then he added his own foolishness - well, clearly sleep is the only answer when such big thoughts invade one's mind.
I would have a terrible time punishing him. Maybe Thranduil will have to let him choose his own, if he believes there is need.
daw the minstrel
· 27 March 2005
· Chapter 3: Guardian Elleth
What a sweet little brother thought: "Bregolas would not be scared." I'll bet Bregolas was plenty scared when he realized Legolas was missing! But Legolas's family has taught him well and the trees recognize their prince.
The allusions to "May the Valar Protect Them" add depth to this story, I think. Tinania is growing up, I see, and able to be quite wise with Legolas.
Author's reply
LOL, yes Bregolas was very scared! I thought that was cute too - that his child's mind immediately thought of what Bregolas would do. Itwas interesting to consider how Legolas would relate to each of them - it is Lathron who holds his heart, Bregolas is someone to emulate etc.
daw the minstrel
· 27 March 2005
· Chapter 2: Who Is Your Nana?
Legolas's sad march to embrace his father's knees was so realistic! I loved that. And I also really like the protectiveness of Lathron and Bregolas, although they do have to learn to let Legolas fight his own battles. I suppose after what he's been through, his family might be overprotective. In general, I like the relationship between Lathron and Bregolas too. It's understated but obvious that they trust one another and enjoy one another's company.
What a bad time for Emlin to fall! Poor little thing.
Author's reply
All the brothers are so different, and I suppose they really don't trample on each other's toes because of it. I really need to include Celebrinduil a bit more - I wish I had considered the hazards of having so many OC's when I started this. :/
daw the minstrel
· 27 March 2005
· Chapter 1: New Friends
You've done a nice job of characterizing Emlin. She's energetic and affectionate and cute as a button. How sad that she couldn't play with the big kids. My little sister used to go to my grandmother and mournfully say of my brother and me,"They shut the door. They won't let me in." I feel sad just thinking about it.
I like the way you show the guards being charmed by the children too. I think elves must have treasured the young, even when they weren't their own children. In the meantime, of course, Legolas has this wonderful family that plays with him and shows him how to do things. No wonder Abronwe is jealous, especially under what turn out to be the circumstances.
Author's reply
Writing how the adults interacted with the children was fun, also to consider how a society which truly valued and loved each child would relate to them. Its an ideal society, where there are no repeat sex offenders living in the next cottage over, or someone who wants to sell the little ones drugs. There is sadness though, and some emotions are natural, unfortunatley, like envy and jealousy.
Bodkin
· 27 March 2005
· Chapter 5: Forgiveness
So Abronwe is not evil personified, but an unhappy and bereaved child. And Narthan is a sweet child - kind and empathetic. I think these two will make good friends for an elfling beginning to spread his wings a little - now that the initial wrinkles have been ironed out.
'Waking Mithrandir too soon is like rousing a bear before spring.' Not a wise thing to do, then?
What a lovely story. I hope you have lots more little Legolas stories that your fingers are itching to provide.
Author's reply
Writing little Legolas is fun. I might have to jump ahead in his future a bit. I have to write pretty much in order though, so that I grow with these characters. But now I'm off to HLIII - it is outlined and some scenes are sketched, so we'll see how it goes.
Bodkin
· 27 March 2005
· Chapter 4: Found
What a good moment for Mithrandir to turn up. Legolas was very fortunate to end up in a snow cave with Tinania and Gandalf - with food, companionship and a heated staff. Not to mention a trail leading to them.
I'll bet Thranduil was a little relieved to find them safe and sound. Cross is usually the next parental reaction.
I'm glad they remembered to show their thanks to the tree - but they would! They're wood elves.
“You look like a big ripe berry,” What a picture!
And Thranduil is just a perfect Adar.
“Well, that proves to me that Abronwë does not know what he is speaking of, for I am glad that every time I look at you I see your naneth. I loved her very much, and I love you very much. You are a nice reminder.”
I love the idea of little Legolas wanting Tinania to wait for him so that he can marry her when he grows up! (And I'm with Tinania in thinking that Lathron would make her a very good beau.)
Author's reply
I just can't torture my elflings - when I considered it, how far could Legolas really go? How likely is it that no one would notice he was gone? He got a good scare, but then everything was okay.
I like the idea of Tinania and Lathron too. It fits her family as well - her motehr is a warrior and her father a diplomat/advisor. She sees Lathron as being like her own father.
Bodkin
· 27 March 2005
· Chapter 3: Guardian Elleth
Thank goodness for Tinania. What a star she is!
I love the tree making the effort to protect Legolas - and his attempt to recall the wisdom of big brother. And Tinania's answers to Legolas's worries were very sensible and totally convincing.
'“I think anyone who tried to prevent Tathiel from caring for you would have quite a fight on their hands,” answered Tinánia with a smile.' So true! Motherhood is more than giving birth to a child - and Tathiel is Legolas's mother in ways that go far beyond simple genetics.
Author's reply
I am glad Tinania was beleivable - and I thought that was very nice of the old oak tree! He knew the woodland king would be looking for that little one.
Legolas knows that Tathiel is his 'naneth' - he has just never had to consider that she was not, or that the situation was not 'normal'. He is fortunate, though.
Bodkin
· 27 March 2005
· Chapter 2: Who Is Your Nana?
Go Bregolas and Lathron! (Not that you'll find yourselves able to kick 17 year old elfling ass when you find him.)
Those first tentative steps into the wider world are proving an alarming experience for poor little Legolas - and Abronwe is the big kid who says there is no Santa Claus.
Running off into the forest does not seem a good plan. I hope he's OK.
Author's reply
LOL! You're funny. No, they would not be able to at all, and like their father, once they cool down they will start looking for the rest of the story.
Bodkin
· 27 March 2005
· Chapter 1: New Friends
Kids are so mean to each other. They just have no idea of tact.
It's good to see little Legolas expanding his horizons to include friends, but I think it'll take a while for this trio to settle down together. Abronwe seems to be an elfling with issues.
(Emlin is a seriously cute little elleth, though. Tathiel must have her hands full between the two of them.)
Author's reply
Tathiel has two very rambunctious, cute as can be, elflings on her hands. Discipline must be hard!
And yeah, kids can be terribly mean, unfortunately. Welcome to the real world, Legolas.
The Karenator
· 26 March 2005
· Chapter 5: Forgiveness
What a sweet story. There was excitement, and I admit that I got teary eyed a few times. This is one of those stories where you need to put a tissue warning on it. Little Legolas's hurt feelings was so realistic. My heart ached for the little guy. He simply couldn't understand why anyone would be so cruel, especially when all he had wanted was to be friends. Oh my...just broke my heart! Actually, I was glad in the end when Abronwë turned out to be good kid at heart. His sadness was understandable and he dealt with it inappropriately, but in a childlike manner. The scene between Thranduil and the kid's families was nice. Thranduil handled it well when I'm sure he wanted to jerk a knot in the tail of anyone who had hurt his child.
Mirthrandir was a pleasant surprise. I'd like him and his 40 watt staff to show up if I were stuck out in a blizzard and covered over with snow.
So there might some love brewing in the palace for Lathron? This would be nice to see. I like the old boy and would like to see him have a little excitement in his life. He's too calm. He needs a nice feisty elleth to shake his world up a little.
I really enjoyed this, Nilmandra.
Karen
Author's reply
Ah, I am glad I made you cry. I am glad Legolas was realistic - he just had no idea that he was different or that people could be mean. His life is quite normal to him.
And Mithrandir, well, things are always interesting when he shows up. A big gruff santa claus, bringing his sack of magic fireworks. I wouldnt' wake him up though, either.
And doesn't Lathron deserve a nice elleth like Tinania?
Amlee
· 26 March 2005
· Chapter 5: Forgiveness
I was starting to have withdraws!! I kept looking to see if you had added a new story and I wasn't getting an update.
I loved this story, but that is nothing new to you. I can't wait for your next stories. Keep up the great work!
Author's reply
I am glad you liked it - its fluff mostly, but its fun to develop the characters a little too.
Now I'm off to work on HLIII. Its mostly outlined and some scenes are sketched out.
Karri
· 26 March 2005
· Chapter 5: Forgiveness
“He only sounds like a bear, Lathron. I think he does not bite.” LOLOL! That is a very a wise observation on the part of Legolas. ;-) Thranduil was wonderful with Abronwë (course, your Thranduil is always wonderful. :-D) The lost bets was a nice touch, as were the fireworks. This was a wonderful follow-up to May the Valar... I enjoyed the many references to it as old memories and emotion resurfaced. I hope there will be another story, eventually. :-D Thank you very much for this one!
Author's reply
I am glad you liked it. It was fun to write, and fun to think of how these characters would think and act at this stage of their lives. I have had several Abronwe's in my life recently - and as easy as it is to get angry at them, when you look closer you see the sadness and pain and insecurity, and somehow it does change everythying. Not that these people were repentant like the child, but knowing why someone acts the way they do does help.
Karri
· 26 March 2005
· Chapter 4: Found
LOL! Mithrandir is in fine form is this chapter. It is too sweet that Legolas want Tinania to marry him when he gets older, and Tinania and Lathron, what an excellent couple they would make. :-D Wonderful! Must dash, though, another chapter to go...
Author's reply
I didn't see the Tinania - Lathron thing coming. Then she ran into him and he knew what poetry she liked...and bells went off in my head!
Glad you liked Mithrandir. I forgot to go back and read his speech mannerisms, unfortunatley, but hopefully my memory served me well.
Karri
· 26 March 2005
· Chapter 3: Guardian Elleth
Go, Tinania! She is very good with Legolas in this chapter. I do not think Tathiel or Adar could have done such a fine job of providing soothing answers. The oak tree is simply wonderful! :-D
Author's reply
Tinania was in a unique position to help Legolas. She is not family directly, so she is more objective. She also has learned what it means to be looked upon differently, and perhaps of them all, she had the hardest time returning to her place in their community. She is wise beyond her young years.
The Karenator
· 26 March 2005
· Chapter 1: New Friends
Everything started out so well. Cute little Emlin. Sweet, loving Tathiel. Legolas finding new friends. What's Abronwë's problem anyway? I had a strong urge to turn him over my knee. Children can be so cruel. I can't remember all the details of MTVPT, but were warriors lost during the hunt for Legolas? Abronwë's father, brother, second cousin on his mother's side? Or is his mother just a nasty gossip? Now I'm going to have to go back and reread MTVPT. :>) I can think of worse things to do! Maybe if I'm patient, I'll find out in the following chapters.
Very nice, Nilmandra. You've captured the world of a five year old (in human years) beautifully. I've been hoping we would see what you've been working on soon. I'm tickled pink to see this. On to the next chapter.
Karen
Author's reply
This is mostly fluffy stuff, but I guess more accurately a bit of a character study. Who are these people and how do they live and react to each other? How are they when something unexpected happens? But things are not as they seem, as in real life.
Karri
· 26 March 2005
· Chapter 2: Who Is Your Nana?
I do not blame Bregolas or Lathron one bit! And I hope they get their hands and spiteful little Abronwë, too. I like Nathron, though. He seems like a sweetie.
Author's reply
LOL! They are very protective of their little brother - no one better mess with him! I am sure it took some effort to let him grow up and spread his wings.
Karri
· 26 March 2005
· Chapter 1: New Friends
Oi! Legolas is so sweet with Emlin! I knew he would make a good big brother. I like the way Tathiel incorporated the herb gathering into lessons – that is the sort of lessons I imagine when I think of education wee ones in those days. Thranduil is just wonderful, as always. But Abromwë! I knew he would be trouble, and sure enough… Ai, poor Legolas, what a terribly thing to be blind-sided with! Must continue reading now… :-D
Author's reply
Little Legolas has no idea that he has had an unusual life - its normal to him, so why someone else would talk about him or be mean is absolutely beyond his comprehension. Poor thing. But he is a good big brother, isn't he? I had no idea ;D