Bodkin
· 26 September 2005
· Chapter 3: Mischief and Moonbows--Part One
Silly elflings! Legolas was almost sensible - but couldn't stand up to the peer pressure. And Galithil knows the punishment will be far worse if he takes advantage of someone outside his immediate family - but he still does it! Galithil definitely lacks thinking-ahead skills. And will always be susceptible to having his chain yanked.
Those two other elflings know how to play the younger ones - if only Crithad had woken up. I don't see quite how he had enough nerve to sleep at all when in charge of a posse of elflings. His wife'll never let him live it down. And the palace elflings will be sealed in their chambers until they are grown warriors.
I love the mischievous Galithil wake-up technique. I don't blame Legolas for being displeased. But at least he had enough sense to sneak his cousin away before Thranduil noticed them observing the - er - more intimate moment with Lindomiel.
Leaving the sleep-out request to the last moment wasn't perhaps the best idea - although it did stop the parents extorted promises of good behaviour over several weeks. But they still got to stay! (No ellyth though. That diminishes the possibility of any sensible decisions once the peer pressure starts. Legolas needs Eirienil to remind him of the disadvantages of behaving irresponsibly.)
I think Brethil ought to join in Legolas and Galithil's lessons. Their tutor deserves to have someone there who enjoys what he has to say! And that is such a typical child response - if we have to learn it, it's not fun - but we can spend endless hours doing something almost identical because we want to.
I'm rambling. I love part one here. I hope part two comes soon!
Author's reply
Yes, Galithil has a long way to go, poor kid. He'll get there eventually but it will be painful at times. But you've got him exactly right--at this point in his life he does not get the concept of thinking ahead and it is fairly easy to push his buttons. Combined with the fact that I see him as getting the impulsive and adventurous genes from Oropher, it is going to be a bumpy ride for a while.
Legolas on the other hand knows better. It was just curiosity that is his weakness. When I was first writing this and thinking about what would be things Legolas would have to learn as a child, I pictured him on the Quest ready to head off and look at the huorns and I decided that his weakness might be curiosity and a bit of impulsiveness. I could see him tempted past all reason to go look at a moonbow.
And Anastor and Noruil do have a lot of their fathers in them.
And yes, the ellyth tend to be the restraining factor in these stories--when you see they will not be a major part of a chapter, feel free to expect trouble. ;-)
As for Crithad, I feel sorry for him, actually. Obviously the elflings actions will eventually be known and how do you suppose he will feel?! Can you imagine waking up and realizing you've lost the king's son--I think it would be enough to give an elf a heart attack. But yes, betraying the trust of your parents is bad--betraying the trust of your host is a completely different thing, I think, and Galithil does know that. He'll know it better.
I liked Galithil's rotten little wake up technique too. I had fun writing that part. :-)
Part two will be out quickly--I never really intended to divide this chapter (I intend to post most of these as stand alone little stories that are loosely linked) but I realized this was way too long for one chapter so I divided it. I doubt I'll post it tonight because I work until 10 on Mondays, but sooner than this weekend, I think.
Thanks for the review!
French Pony
· 25 September 2005
· Chapter 3: Mischief and Moonbows--Part One
The one adult in charge of known mischief-making elflings is sleeping through this whole moonbow discussion? He is so going to regret this in the morning. What a great adventure for the little ones. Really, you'd hardly suspect that the guy had already raised one kid to adulthood, the way he just flops down to sleep after telling them scary stories like that.
But what a party! Backyard tenting, the Elvish versions of Vanishing Hitchhiker stories, horseback rides, special treats. . . All it needed was some s'mores. And I love the thought of Amglaur hanging around being a Grandpa and carving toys for the kids. Kind of reminds me of my grandpa before he stopped pretending that my sister and I were boys.
The best scene of all was the first one, with Galithil going in to wake Legolas up. It reminded me of the day my grandmother wandered off -- I think I've told you about this before -- and my mom dropped me off real early at a friend's house before the search parties went out. My friend hadn't gotten up yet, so I got to be the one to go wake her up. The look on her face when she woke on this perfectly ordinary day to see me there was priceless. "Pony? What are you doing here?"
Trust the grownups to make backyard camping into a major production.
Author's reply
Can you imagine being Crithad and losing the king's kid?! In the middle of the night in the forest?! I think I'd be too paranoid to fall asleep if I were him. Obviously his older child, Arthiel, was either A) a very well behaved child; or B) really sneaky. Given that we have already seen her in places her adar would not approve of with Dolgailon (in the last story), I'd vote for option B. We'll have to see if Brethil is that sneaky/lucky himself.
I think Crithad was hoping the scary stories would keep them in place--they were about elves disappearing after wandering around at night...apparently these kids need the moral of the story to be a bit more explicitly explained. ;-)
I'm glad you liked the scene with Galithil waking Legolas up--that was my favorite too. It was a lot of fun to write and picture--poor Legolas. I love that story about your grandmother but you never told the part about you waking your friend up--I bet that was classic.
Thanks for the review, FP! :-)
daw the minstrel
· 25 September 2005
· Chapter 3: Mischief and Moonbows--Part One
Oh dear, oh dear. This is trouble. The adults are not going to be one bit amused. It's going to be a frosty day in Mount Doom before they get to sleep outside again.
Author's reply
:-) Kids and sneaking around after dark--it has always fascinated me. I did it myself. All my friends did it. To this day I cannot tell you what the attraction was other than the thrill of getting away with it. I never got caught. Not once. And I did it a lot. We'll see how Legolas and crew does. But I think you are right--no one is going to be amused by the ultimate outcome of this.
Thanks for the review, daw. :-)
Jay Greenleaf Elf
· 22 September 2005
· Chapter 99999: Cast of Characters
Hi there, I just love the way you portray Thranduil, always carefree and not always too serious. The scene with him and the dogs were adorable, but you should of added that the puppies kept biting him, well, thats at least what my puppies do, oh and lick as well 'sigh' oh, and slobber all over me, once they had eaten or drunk. Thats beside the point, the list you made was very helpful, I was able to tell who was who, but know I started getting confused with all the elflings running around and who belongs to who, probably because I haven't read this fic in a while, but don't worry, I understand how RL can get in the way of everything. I hope this review is satisfyingly long. And try to update as soon as you can, bye.
Author's reply
:-) Little needle sharp puppy teeth are terrible weapons, aren't they? I used to have a golden retriever that would take a big slurp of water and then dribble it all over the place, including me if I was in his path. He was a great dog!
I'm glad you like Thranduil with them. I thought it was a cute scene. Thranduil needs a little play time too, I think. ;-)
If it makes you feel better, even I get confused with some of Legolas's friends--that's why I had a list to post. As for RL, I am pretty determined not to let it take over so much anymore. I have two more chapters completely edited for posting. For simple little fluffy elfling stories, I am rather amazed at how hard it is to get these the way I like them to post. But the last half of this story is also completely edited and ready to post...'course it's the angsty part...
Thanks for the reviews! (I hope this review is satisfyingly long.) Long or even one word, I love them and appreciate them so much!
Bodkin
· 20 September 2005
· Chapter 99999: Cast of Characters
Very handy for quick reference.
Author's reply
Thanks! I had it for myself and thought it might help. :-)
perelleth
· 19 September 2005
· Chapter 2: Creatures of the forest
Deeply felt thanks for the Cast addition! :-)
This was a lovely chapter, and I just laughed trying to picture Thrnaduil's stronghold so full of elflings, hurrying feet and terrible mischief looming in the air.. together with bunnies, puppies and horses... yep! nice forest we have here! ANd yet.. Galithil's name spells like catastrophe or is it me? SO many children, and dangers amd darkness close at hand..... I dearly hope that you don't plan fo us to ahve handkerdhiefs at hand very soon... but I'm glad to have you back!
Author's reply
:-) I know you are not the only person that will like the cast addition, so I thought it might be a good idea. I just hope it's not too scary. I have to admit, I might look at something like that and say, 'wow! too many OCs.'
I love the idea of Thranduil's stronghold filled with the sounds of scurrying little elfling feet and all the associated mischief--and Thranduil is a first-time father so somethings are bound to be a surprise to him. I know I did a lot of things as a child that it never occurred to my parents to forbid until after I did them. I like surprising Thranduil a bit.
You are right, two chapters towards the end of this story come with serious kleenex warnings (and Galithil's name is written all over one of them)--but we will enjoy some fluff first. :-)
Thanks so much for the review. I really appreciate them.
Brazgirl
· 19 September 2005
· Chapter 2: Creatures of the forest
Hi Elliska!
Great, great to read from you again! I miss your story very much!
Legolas has many elflings to play with them and this is nice. I like their innocence in playing, when they watch the birds, play with dogs... It was so nice to be a child in such circunstances!
But you got me when you described Thranduil seated on grass playing with the dogs, with muddy prints on his clothes! This king is just everything ;-)
I love those scenes when one describes children saying goodbye to pets (who don't want to be pets). Their sadness is so undestandable! I remember some things like that from my own childhood.
Very nice chapter. I guess Tulus is redeeming himself before his king. But I am still mad at his son. I still cannot believe.
For me you can take your time, I will wait for your updates! Always!!!!
Hugs,
Brazgirl
Author's reply
Hi Brazgirl! I am glad to be back again. Real life has been horrible recently but I am planning on taking control of it firmly, so I intend to get back on schedule with updates.
I love the innocent little elflings--while they still remain innocent. Animals in childhood are wonderful, aren't they. I had some scenes like this too in mine. And I liked the idea of Thranduil being able to play with the puppies just as the children--a moment of peace for him too. He has to have some and since the Hobbit mentions hearing hunting dogs near the Elvenking's stronghold, I think Thranduil and the children needed some pets! ;-)
Yes, Tulus will be a part in this. You will see if he redeems himself and how his son handles himself. That will wait until a little later, when they are a little older, but you will see it.
For me you can take your time, I will wait for your updates! Always!!!!
I am always amazed when anyone reads again after I have such long delays in posting. I really appreciate that you and others keep reading. Thanks Brazgirl!
The Karenator
· 19 September 2005
· Chapter 2: Creatures of the forest
Puppies! Nothing is more attractive to a group of children than the 'children' of a furry friend. The picture I got of the little ones rolling around in the hay playing with the puppies was such fun. I'm a sucker for anything furry too; I'd would have been in the middle of the pack of children and puppies. Of course, their energy would far outpace mine.
So the adas are going to start teaching the wild things hunting and tracking? That should prove to be more than any parent can handle. The children will probably be as manageable as a pack of puppies. Adas will come home each night after the 'lessons' and collapse with a glass of Dorwinion to steady their nerves.
Ah, poor bunny. The children had their hearts in the right place. Dolgailon was right that keeping the rabbit in Legolas's chambers would be frowned upon. With Arthiel's help they came up with a good solution. The bunny will be fat and happy in the garden in no time...and despite being a wild rabbit, will probably be spoiled and never want to leave the garden buffet where massages are free.
Such a cute chapter. I'm looking forward to reading the next installment. I've have enjoyed these stories so much, Elliska.
Karen
Author's reply
I would have been right there with you and them too! And I think your prediction about my energy level vs theirs is likely correct too. ;-)
I love the chapters associated with hunting in this part of the story. They turned out to be some of my favorites (although the research for them made me slightly ill, being a vegetarian and all). Yes, teaching these particular elflings to hunt will present its challenges. :-)
I think you are right about the fate of the poor garden--and remember, there is never just one rabbit. It, and whatever family it manages to put together, is going to thoroughly enjoy the free ride in the garden--steady buffet and massage from loving children, as you say.
Glad you liked it. I needed complete fluff so I picked this one to go next. Thanks for the review!
Bodkin
· 19 September 2005
· Chapter 2: Creatures of the forest
Tulus is so lovely with the elflings. (Redemption, redemption I cry!) Very tolerant and kind, but not a sucker. And I think the elflings understood when he explained just why leaving a big hole in the barn was a bad idea.
And the elflings themselves are a delight. The two ellyth - well, of course the warhorses want ribbons in their manes and tails! Most of the ellyn - I loved them in the tree watching the ospreys. Galithil is always going to pose a bit of a problem, I suspect. He really needs to be kept busy, busy, busy. All the time. The others can just about keep him in check though - as long as it's five to one.
I hope the rabbit rescue made him realise that he isn't skilled enough to be hunting - and that he doesn't really want to hurt the forest's creatures. It was almost a good scheme to take the rabbit home and look after it - if they had just thought out a bit more what should happen when they got it there. Dolgailon and Arthiel proved very useful there. The elflings took notice, did they, of the different parental reaction when they were genuinely trying to help a creature compared to the response when they were just attempting to skive off lessons for their own motives?
And they get to help train the dogs. Could be interesting. Perhaps training one or two of the dogs as elfling-herding hounds could be useful. (Galithil's down a well, Lassiel?)
I see that Galithil didn't mind giving his share of the salad to the rabbit. Tsk, ellon. You need to eat the healthy greens. And that Lindomiel is resigned to Brer Rabbit munching her garden. What we do for the sake of our children!
Lovely. Thrilled to see it. Enjoyed every word.
Author's reply
Yes, part of the purpose of this chapter was to show Tulus with the children. We will see a good bit of that. (And of Gilbert with the children too). Poor Tulus.
And the elflings--Galithil is like my niece. Constant energy that needs to be spent in a controlled fashion. Trouble happens when that energy is freely loosed as we will see a few times. And I figured he would not miss the salad too much. ;-) But generally speaking they are good little elflings. I used to braid the horses' tails and manes on the farm where I worked (they actually paid me money to do that)--do you know some of those horses used to really like that! I can see little ellyth doing that and some poor warrior having a horse with pink ribbons. :-)
Lassiel! Do you dare me to change that puppy's name to Lassiel? I might do it. The little guy plays a continuing role and you are not too far off the mark with that comment.
Thanks for the review!
French Pony
· 18 September 2005
· Chapter 2: Creatures of the forest
Elflings and puppies and horsies and bunnies, oh my!
The story of the trusting bunny rabbit was very sweet. Everyone must have been made very happy by the spring to take the smuggling of the bunny with such good grace. And I love how Thranduil's advisors give him parenting advice.
Six little elves seems to be quite a handful. But, hey, my mom and the tantes let more kids than that run around together. Kids seem to belong in packs, I think. They're such social critters.
Author's reply
Can you tell I was in the mood for warm fuzzy critters when I chose this one to be the second chapter? ;-) At least they didn't have Legolas bringing in snakes or baby spiders--I think Thranduil realizes life could be worse. And yes, I agree that children, like puppies, run in packs. I know we drove the parents in my neighborhood nutz and I'm sure these elflings will do their share to frazzle their families to before the end.
Thanks for the review!
Nilmandra
· 18 September 2005
· Chapter 2: Creatures of the forest
This was delightful, a fun read to end the day. I really enjoy your elflings - they are very much wood elves and curious; mischievous, but not poorly behaved. I was thinking that poor rabbit was meant for Tulus's trap to feed the pups! But, it will survive in the garden nicely and the children can have a hand at raising pups. A good working dog can still be an elfling's best friend!
Author's reply
Thanks Nilmandra. I think you are right that the rabbit was saved from a worse fate than any that the children thought of. In fact, there was a line in a part that got cut where someone said if the rabbit hadn't been so skinny, it might still have met that fate. But now everyone is happy. And, as someone who grew up with sheep dogs (and sheep), I agree a good working dog is man (or elf's) best friend. The puppy will actually play a continuing role. :-)
daw the minstrel
· 18 September 2005
· Chapter 2: Creatures of the forest
I was happy to see this tonight. The children are getting very elfy lessons in how to relate to the forest animals and domestic ones. I have to say the gardeners around here are not fond of rabbit. But then they call deer rats with hooves.
Author's reply
Oh rabbits in the garden are horrible--there was part of this that I cut where you saw the conversation that led to the decision about what to do with the rabbit. Legolas first suggested that they put it in Lindomiel's garden--the one we saw in part 3. I cut that because I hadn't time yet in this story to introduce what that garden was and I wasn't sure it would make sense to new readers, but suffice to say, Lindomiel did not go for that suggestion. :-) (And deer are actually worse, it's true).
I love animals, so there have to be some in this part of the story. :-)
Thanks for the reviews! I'm always so pleasantly surprised when I let this sit for so long that people will actually go back to reading it.
Jay Greenleaf Elf
· 14 August 2005
· Chapter 1: Lessons
Hi mellon nin
Long time no writing. Finally you managed to start your new story off 'starts cheering'. Ooh those elflings are naughty, if I did something wrong, I wouldn't go looking for more trouble. I was astounded by the way you use small objects to show the depth of Thranduil's history as well as his ancestory 'applaudes'. Well I'm looking forward to the next chapter and see what other mischief the elflings are going to get into. Till next time
Author's reply
Hi! :-)
Yes, I was out much longer than I intended and I am still going to be slow. Yuck!
Yes, those little elfling are naughty things aren't they. Believe it or not, I did exactly what Legolas did once--I got sent to a room to wait for someone to 'come speak to me' and I went through my dad's trunk. It went much better for Legolas than it did for me. :-)
I like playing with little family heirlooms. Elves have the potential for having tons of them given how old they are. We'll see more of that.
Thanks for the reviews!
The Karenator
· 9 August 2005
· Chapter 1: Lessons
What a pleasant surprise to come home from frolicking in the woods to find a new story. Just a lovely chapter. The kids are such...kids. I'd be chomping at the bit to get out of lessons on such a nice day too. Unfortunately they don't seem to have figured out that you have to have all your co-conspirators on the same page and to act quickly. They were right, of course, that their absence would indeed be noticed. Another minor glitch in the plan.
I was as intrigued as Legolas as to what all the 'treasures' were in Thranduil's trunk. I'm looking forward to hearing about the items and how they relate to the history of his family and his people. I'm sure there will be some good tales to be told.
I'm looking forward to reading more.
Karen
Author's reply
Frolicking in the woods! Now I am really jealous! :-) I spent last weekend editing training material for major computer company that I consult for on the side. I was inside all day long and only got a few minutes together to post because I had sworn to myself that I would do it last weekend. And you were 'frolicking in the woods' like a woodelf. *Sigh* I am so jealous.
I laughed when I read the part about having all your co-conspirators together. Either that is the voice of personal experience or of a mother's experience. Either way, you are right, but that was very funny.
I love connecting the rich history Tolkien wrote to personal things like this. We will definitely be hearing more about that stuff and more.
Thanks so much for the review! I really appreciate them.
(And by the way, will Daeron be making another appearance soon I hope? I have to ask every now and again because I just love him.)
daw the minstrel
· 9 August 2005
· Chapter 1: Lessons
Oh lovely. I just got back from visiting Karenator and found this new story. I don't blame the elflings a bit for wanting to go out into the spring. They're wood elves! And if you deliberately bore a kid, you better keep an eye on him! I look forward to hearing the stories.
Author's reply
That sounds like fun!
Yes, I remember when I wrote this part, I was wanting to get outside and enjoy myself but it was too hot, so I sympathized with them too. Actually, as busy as work has been recently, I am still sympathetic! :-)
And if you deliberately bore a kid, you better keep an eye on him! *Snort* That is certainly too true! But it cracked me up.
Thanks for the review, Daw. I really appreciate them. I am looking forward to being back at posting. I spent far more time away this time than I intended.
:-)
perelleth
· 9 August 2005
· Chapter 1: Lessons
I'm sorry I'm so late, but I've just moved *some* distance, and settling down is being more difficult than what I had anticipated, so I'm quite short of time and computer access and... terribly immersed in my job, but I finally managed to snatch some time today to try and catch up ! (I've just finished the previous story, during the flight! but I still owe you the review!:-)
It was so fun to see the children interacting! Galithil is certainly what one would expect from a son of such parents. In fact, I'm still half expecting that soon you will disclose us Dolgailon's secret parentage? :-)
Seriously, I loved the conversation between LEgolas and his Adar, the rebelliousness despite how much he respects his adar, and then the simple truth that stories are more interesting when recounted rather that explained.. Students tend to agree on that, no matter the age or the race... not me, anyway, I always loved History at school...
I'm so glad you began a new story! now I can follow from the first chapter! This sounds promising! And I've decided to make up a list of who's who for my personal use! :-)
Author's reply
Late? It took me 15 weeks from the last posting of Part Three until I started Part Four. Who do you think is later, me or you? :-) Moving stinks, especially when it's over a long distance. Having moved from the US to Spain several times, I sympathize. I hope all went well and settles down for you quickly.
I burst out laughing when I read: I'm still half expecting that soon you will disclose us Dolgailon's secret parentage? That was hilarious! Poor Dolgailon. You will see him try to be a good influence on his younger brother to absolutely no avail. Galithil is full of energy (and trouble).
I'm glad you liked the conversation between Legolas and Thranduil--I agree with everything you said. I also loved history, but my parents were really into my education. They knew what we were studying in school and made sure they did related stuff with me on the weekends (studying the American Revolution--we made a field trip to some museum; studying the Civil War--we went to a battle reenactment...and science experiments at home...I had great parents). So I firmly believe education is better experienced.
And I've decided to make up a list of who's who for my personal use! I have one for mine--want me to send it to you? :-) It's funny you said that because I was just joking somewhere that I have lists of my favorite authors' OCs and I need one for my own as well (I discovered when I was editing at one point that the same guard died twice defending Thranduil's family--that's when I decided the list was absolutely essential).
As for Part Three--I made a major change to it Sunday night. I added a whole chapter basically. I wonder if you saw that. I bet the people on the plane think you are working hard on business reports with all your papers. And you are reading fanfic. You have them fooled. :-)
Thanks so much for the reviews! I really appreciate them. I hope everything goes well for you in your new place. :-)
Nilmandra
· 9 August 2005
· Chapter 1: Lessons
I am glad you have begun a new story, so I can start reading from the ground floor, so to speak.
I like your very curious elflings and the extended family you have given to Thranduil. It is nice to see him having a wife and Legolas a mother (since most of us seem to do her in quite early...) but also cousins and uncles. The elflings are naturally curious and I would be tired of a being a cave all winter too, no matter how nice the cave. I think I agree that lessons need to move outdoors on those days, and I love lessons learned through stories.
It is also wonderful to see more history here - of Denethor and the remembrances that the Noldor and Laiquendi were friends, the fall of Menegroth and the participation at Dagorlad. The House of Oropher has a long and glorious history for Legolas and his cousins to learn. Learn outdoors, naturally!
Author's reply
Hi Nilmandra! I am very glad to have finally begun posting this too. I waited much longer than I had intended.
I see elflings, especially woodelf elflings, as pretty curious little things. (Of course, the moment I wrote that, I thought--I bet the Noldor were seriously curious too. So I guess I take that back--all elflings). I love writing about them. And honestly, I like to think that Thranduil at least started out with some family, albeit distant, with him in Mirkwood. Fighting the long defeat iin the forest would have been very difficult. I hope he had someone to share at least part of it with him, poor elf.
I recall writing this part of the story when I had been trapped inside by summer heat for too long--I was very sympathetic with the elflings.
And I love exploring the history of these families--the history Tolkien created is just so rich and thinking about how it affected individuals is so interesting to me.
Thanks so much for the review! I really appreciate them. :-)
Brazgirl
· 8 August 2005
· Chapter 1: Lessons
Ah Elliska! What a pleasure to read from you again! I was just wondering why were you taking so long to update. I so missed your stories! On the chapter now... I like the children discussion and I don't know why I am a little troubled with their curiosity. Because of Tulus, maybe. Hum. So Thranduil handles his elfling well. Legolas taking a look in ada's things was not very nice, though very children like. We all remember our younger selves doing that. I do! ;-)
Those histories were so touching. Especially the one of the knife. Thranduil is indeed a fabulous story teller. But all elflings believe their fathers are heroes and the best story tellers ever. Legolas could not have been an exception. A very nice chapter, wonderful to read. Thank for sharing one more part of your story!!!
Hugs,
Author's reply
Hi Brazgirl! I am very glad to be back. It took much longer than I had planned for me to start posting this because work has been keeping me so busy--much, much more than usual.
There's a saying in English--curiosity killed the cat. Curiosity is a good thing when it encourages us to learn but a bad thing if it leads us into trouble. I think it might do both for Legolas before he gets older. :-) But remember, even during the Quest, he is so curious about the Huorns (sp?) that he almost wanders off to go look at them. :-)
I did exactly what Legolas did in this chapter and got into my father's trunk when I was little--he was furious with me. But Thranduil handled it well, with Lindomiel's help.
These stories will be very light for a little while. I hope you keep enjoying them and thank you so much for the reviews. They make my day. :-)
Dot
· 8 August 2005
· Chapter 1: Lessons
Ooh, naughty elflings – what fun!
I love this little troop of elflings. They all have such different personalities too. I must say, I like Eirienil. She’s probably a bit too sensible to be much fun and is bossy too but I still quite like her. Besides, she was right ;-) Berior is adorable. He seems a happy little soul and a real wood-elf. Now Galithil is a wee trouble-maker. A bit different from big brother, eh?! Their discussion is hilarious. I was just chuckling at Galithil’s oh-so-serious “The Palace Guard is not informed of elflings’ study schedules, Eirienil” when I nearly choked at Berior’s belief that “He never comes out of the library. He certainly will not pursue us into the trees.” I can’t decide if it’s funnier to imagine them being chased through the trees by their tutor or that Berior seems to think that the elf genuinely doesn’t come out of the library.
I thought you did a great job showing how torn Legolas is. He’s obviously fairly easily persuaded by his friends but it’s good to see that he does have a conscience and some sense of responsibility too. The little discussion about the parents was rather interesting – the elflings clearly have them all sussed out! I admit to feeling a tiny moment of glee when Thranduil appeared, though ;-)
You write bored elfling very well too! Poor Legolas. What a temptation that trunk was. I probably would have done the same as a child too. I know, bad Dot. I was a little frustrated, though, at his lack of understanding of the significance of the contents. Alright, I was just curious about them and really wanted Legolas to stop tossing things aside! Still, his reactions were very realistic. He’s not quite old enough to be sentimental yet. I was so excited to see the diary! What I wouldn’t give to read that… Is it the same one that Ninglor sketched in?
Thank heavens for Lindomiel and her ability to calm Thranduil. Although, I could completely understand if Thranduil lost his temper with his son. The elfling is sitting there in a pile of his prized possessions, reading his journal for crying out loud!! I did breathe a sigh of relief when Thranduil felt that hint of amusement as he saw himself in his errant son, though. That’s what mothers are for!
"His expression betrayed that he had expected Legolas to choose the knife." *rolls eyes* Of course he picked the knife. I’m not sure what I would have picked. Probably the banner, I think. But the story of the knife is fascinating. It’s quite startling to think about all the battles it’s seen. I think the tradition of passing on weapons is extraordinarily moving. I remember being very touched by the story of the rings before Thranduil’s wedding too.
Excellent idea to have people who have lived the history tell them about it. Especially as it’s not as though they have to sit state exams or anything. They more need to know the story of their people and learn their heritage and this way will surely have more meaning for them.
I was glad Thranduil at least explained what the other items were. Otherwise I would have had to torment you with questions. Legolas isn’t the only one who needs to learn about curiosity ;-)
I really liked the ending! I love seeing them all together, laughing and teasing. And yes, those elflings still have a few lessons to learn – I hope so anyway because I’m really enjoying watching them so far!!
I’m so thrilled to see you back again, Elliska. I’m looking forward to more :-D
Author's reply
I can’t decide if it’s funnier to imagine them being chased through the trees by their tutor or that Berior seems to think that the elf genuinely doesn’t come out of the library.
LOL I wonder if I can work the image that conjured in my mind into one of these chapters. That's funny.
I had fun with the opening of this chapter setting up their personalities a bit. I think I like Berior the most, myself. You have him exactly right. He is a perfect little wood elf and after losing his first son, that is exactly what Celonhael wants. But he is also the hardest for me to write, for some reason. Eirienil and Galithil are the easiest. I have fun with them.
I did do exactly that with my father's trunk and he did not react as well as Thranduil (went through the roof, he did). I liked poor Legolas just too tempted to stay away from the trunk. Don't worry, you will hear more about all those items. And yes, I would love to get my hands on Thranduil's journals. It is exactly the one with Ninglor's sketch in it. Most of the stuff in that trunk (and there is more than you have yet seen) makes several appearances in this story.
*Snort* Of course he'd pick the knife--he certainly isn't going to pick the lady's hair ribbons, is he? Not now. Later, he will. You will see. I do have a big soft spot for items that have passed from parents to children and on down through family history. I love that stuff and I tend to include it a lot.
Especially as it’s not as though they have to sit state exams or anything. Do not even get me started on the issue of education vs passing state exams. I think Legolas and cousins will learn much more this way. If I ever had children, which I guess I won;t since I'm 40, I'd home school them. Hand-on, active learning for my children!
I'm very, very glad to be back. I went much longer than I planned before I started posting this and I missed posting.
Thank you so much for the review! I really love them. :-)
Bodkin
· 8 August 2005
· Chapter 1: Lessons
Why do I feel that Galithil is going to be harder to train in responsibility and the duties of leadership than his brother? His cousin, on the other hand . . . Well, Legolas might need a few reminders along the way - and Eirienil will be happy to act as his conscience.
And what splendid parents the elfling has - firm, considered, yet understanding. And their ideas of additions to lessons sound pretty good to me - somehow doing things is so much more fun than sitting and learning from books. Well. Some of the time anyway.
And the elflings have learned - finish the work and you get to go outside and play. Try to skip it and the tedium lasts for ever.
Thranduil reacted quite calmly to the investigation of his trunk of treasure, really. And to the reading of his journal. A good thing that Lindomiel was there, I suspect.
I note Tulus's presence. I hope he develops sufficient devotion to the engaging elflings to help him to maintain his focus and avoid the ploys of the Evil One and her little coterie of criminally-minded elves.
I'm sooooooo pleased to see this begin. And to enjoy some light-hearted elfling-raising mayhem. Delightful.
Author's reply
Galithil is not going to be as easy to deal with as Dolgailon was--you are absolutely right about that. I like him though. He made me laugh a couple of places as I re-read these to try to put them in some order to post. :-)
Thranduil reacted much more calmly than my dad did when he caught me going through his trunk as a child. I had all his army ribbons all over the floor and the knife he took off a enemy soldier that he captured and I was wearing his uniform jacket. I thought he was going to literally go through the roof ('course the knife was in my hand when he walked in and I was about 6). I think Legolas is very lucky Lindomiel was there. :-)
Yes, Tulus and company will contribute a bit to this. My favorite chapter has that troupe of trouble makers in it--it's funny, not scary though.
I am pleased to start posting again. I had really only intended to take a week between stories--it turned into 15. The entire summer semester. It was just so busy. Fall semester just started. I hope it is smoother.
Thank you so much for the reviews. They really mean a lot. :-)
French Pony
· 7 August 2005
· Chapter 1: Lessons
I wish I could have escaped a lot of lessons when I was little. I think my problem was that I was a quick study, and was tremendously bored by the slow pace of grade school, especially reading. We had reading groups according to how well we could do, and I was alone in the highest one for a couple of years, and I hated being alone. Legolas should be glad he's not in public school, where there's no possibility of escape no matter how hard you try.
History is always so much better when you're poking around through stuff. My grandmother has a lot of interesting photographs and objects, and I've always liked to poke around at them. Fortunately, she remembers what being a kid was like, and she always let me play with her things. There was this one enormous ivory-handled magnifying glass that I especially liked to play with, and she has declared that it will be part of my inheritance (although my little cousins like it, too). And she likes to tell all about the people in the photos -- Babushka and Uncle Vovo and her father and all them. She has one of Crown Prince Alexei Romanov of Russia in a little uniform. He's very handsome but very solemn, and she told me all about the boy in that photograph and what happened to him and to his family, which was how I learned about the Russian Revolution.
And once I snuck up to the attic and poked around in boxes and found a typescript of a story that my aunt had written when she was a teenager about a girl in a mental hospital. I told my mom about it, and she looked kind of disturbed and said she didn't know that my aunt had ever written anything like that. I'm not sure I believe her, because I did find it at our house, after all.
But Legolas is right -- learning things is much more fun when they're real and tangible. And Thranduil is a good father to realize this and cut him a little slack because of it.
Author's reply
Yes, I was rather bored in school to for the same reasons. And to this day I have trouble being in work when it is pretty outside. We always joke that we're going to bring an extension cord and the computers out onto the lawn at the school where I work. Won't they be surprised one day when I do it! :-)
The story about little Alexei and how you learned about him and his family is very cool (russian was my under grad major and I loved reading about the tzars). When I taught, the (much) older professors I worked with used to laugh a little at me for bringing in pictures and slides to class but I think the students like it. Same type of thing.
I've said it before--I'd love to meet your family. This time, however, I read this at home (I can be taught) so that when I got to the part where you found a novel by your aunt about a girl in a mental hospital, I could giggle and not become a girl in a mental hospital. :-)
Thanks for the review, FP. I do really appreciate them. :-)