perelleth
· 25 September 2005
· Chapter 11: Explanation
It ate my review yesterday, as I feared, and now I'm three chapters back! I loved to see E2 fully recovered in their self-esteem and plotting, and LEgolas rueing the day he opened his mouth, seen that now the evil authoress plans to send him in confernce with Lord AulË himself! That was hilariousm as it was seeing the twins plotting and schemeing with their particular sense of revenge and fairness, for, of ocurse, they would never blame thteir mother, partly out of gallantry and partly, I'd say because they truly know who's master in their own business... But the scene with Celebrían was truly sweet, and it is good that they can look back and see that there are good and bad memories shared in ME...
And now grandmum and the most powerful attack force has been assembled , and poor Glorfindel shall not have the slightest chance of survival with these scheming minds. Retaliation with such powerful allies is going to be a nice show! I'm expectant! :-)
Author's reply
My review replying got munched, too, so I gave up for a while.
E2 deserve a moment of glory, I think - and Glorfindel is the only possible victim. (I can't see him taking it without fighting back though - and Legolas is bound to be included in his revenge.)
Neither E2L nor Glorfindel would consider including Celebrian in their vengeance - I think they have old-fashioned protective gentlemanly values towards ellyth. With the possible exception of Galadriel - although they would need treatment if they were daft enough to take her on.
Thank you. More soon!
Redheredh
· 25 September 2005
· Chapter 11: Explanation
Now, that was clever! Getting Daernaneth on their side like that. ;) However, honestly it was done. Heh!
Nice little references to past events.
Ah yes, instead of getting clearer, the plot thickens...
Love it!/I>
Author's reply
How can Daernaneth resist? She owes them on this - but she's not one to give away more than she wants to!
I can't help but think of C and G in Lothlorien - but of course they weren't there through the twins' youth. (I wonder if the twins and Arwen used to go to visit them - at the seaside, maybe!)
A simple plot. Hopefully ending in three. It could go together - but each section has to be only two pages. And there's only so much you can say in two pages! Thank you.
Rose Sared
· 25 September 2005
· Chapter 11: Explanation
Oh yes! Glorfy baiting, but how do they think they would ever win? You do not get to be perfect by being unaware or unprepared. Heh. Looking forward to the next installment already.
Rose
Author's reply
They're taking advice from Galadriel. Maybe that will help. Or maybe not! But they are looking for that tiny crack in his armour to give them a way in. Will they find it? Will Galadriel point them in the right direction? I can't see her betraying too much - but you never know.
Jay of Lasgalen
· 25 September 2005
· Chapter 11: Explanation
So Celebrían, and now Galadriel, are forgiven their part in the Great Joke. I think I can accept Galadriel's reasoning, and certainly to have told E2 in the wake of their mother's attack would *not* have gone down well.
I now have high hopes for the success of the twins' revenge - Galadriel knows names, and will tell. Glorfindel had better look out!
Author's reply
It's not as if the Joke played a very big part in any of their lives. They probably didn't think about it for centuries.
The twins have got a very important person on their side here. If Galadriel cannot give them the inside information, she knows an elf who can! But just how much will she reveal?
(This has to come to an end. Three more bits. Probably.)
Dot
· 25 September 2005
· Chapter 11: Explanation
*sigh* I imagine none of them would have ever thought that all of this would have brought up such painful memories for so many people. Least of Legolas. This is the first time in this tale that I feel rather sorry for him because he would never have intended old grief to resurface for those he loves and respects. It does make perfect sense that this would never have merely been a joke for the sake of a joke. It’s interesting to watch everyone’s different reasons come to light. And I always find the little glimpses into Galadriel’s and Celeborn’s experience of that terrible time when Celebrían was so hurt and then sailed beyond their reach. I thought it was a very powerful moment here when Galadriel stands with her grandsons and the three of them acknowledged the darkness and rejected it. I felt a definite shiver!
By the way, I LOVE the idea of Elladan and Elrohir as elflings, each drawn to a different grandparent :-)
‘Who, here in the Blessed Realm, Daernaneth,’ Elladan chimed in, ‘can – and will – tell us all about Glorfindel’s most deeply hidden secrets, so that we can torment him as mercilessly as he does us?’ Excellent! I love the scheming twins! Oh, I hope she gives in to her conniving grandsons… Taking on Glorfindel is a challenge indeed but I’m sure if anyone can manage it, these two (with the help of a great lady) can! Maybe.
Author's reply
The Big Joke is wrapped around with grief. But so much is! And they have come to terms with it. Mostly. And they know they cannot let it take hold.
Elrohir was an elfling who wanted to know. And who better to tell him than Daernaneth? Stories of battles, of people, of different races and places. Elladan - liked to be doing. He wanted his learning on the hoof. And Celeborn could fill his mind with all the sort of things that concerned Elrond less. He had a better understanding of some of Elladan's impulsiveness - whereas Galadriel enjoyed guiding Elrohir's logical thinking.
I wonder just how much information Galadriel will release. Enough, I think, to make Glorfindel cringe a bit - but I'm 99% certain that the twins are not going to find out any state secrets. Most of Glorfindel's mystique will remain - mysterious.
Glorfindel
· 25 September 2005
· Chapter 11: Explanation
perfect example of elfhood
I am glad the sons of Elrond recognize me for what I am.
(Who can)tell us all about Glorfindel’s most deeply hidden secrets?
Why, no one, of course. I have lived an exemplary life and have nothing to hide from anyone. Why do you think Namo allowed me such an early release? Even the Valar recognize a pure life when they see one.
so that we can torment him as mercilessly as he does us
Ah, Elrondion, you set your sights too high, I am afraid. You may wear your youthful misadventures as writing on your foreheads for all to see, drawing all torment to yourself, but I am untormentable.
Do not forget that I am not only wise, I am wily.
Love,
Glorfindel
Author's reply
Wily as a fox. Dangerous as a tiger. Unreachable as a star. Impeccable. Unquenchable.
But even you were young once.
And Galadriel can be a devious opponent when she wants to be. And she can play on your soft spot - you are remarkably gentle with ellyth.
As to whether the Elrondionnath have developed enough subtlety to shake your confidence, only time will tell.
Thank you - good to hear the point of view of the great golden elf.
daw the minstrel
· 25 September 2005
· Chapter 11: Explanation
Glorfindel??? They're going after Glorfindel??? Oh my. That seems rash. But it would certainly be delicious if they could carry it off. He does seem kind of perfect, and that can be mighty aggravating.
Author's reply
Well - they've crossed Naneth and Daernaneth off the list. Daeradar and Adar - they need to be careful there. But Glorfindel is fair game. Very dangerous game, too. And he is the one who stood back and let the twins be suckered by a few devious dwarves - knowing all the time exactly what was going on!
I hope the twins don't get too clever here. Simple is best. Definitely. And Glorfindel might keep his claws sheathed. Thank you.
elliska
· 25 September 2005
· Chapter 11: Explanation
Oh they are really quite good schemers--pulling Galadriel down that path, reminding her of their grief and her own, extracting an explanation and then addressing the need for recompensation! They are rotten. Glorfindel probably deserves it. I can hardly wait to see whether Galadriel will tell them (somehow I think she will) and what terrible stories they will dig up. Glorfindel has lived a very long time--there must be some stories to tell. Evil! Just evil! ;-)
Author's reply
If they get Galadriel on their side, they are immediately somewhat safer. And her help could be a guarantee of some payback for Glorfindel. She will have to think it out, though. He might know some things about her that she wouldn't want passed on to her great-granddaughters!
And then there's what Glorfindel might do to the twins in retaliation. This whole situation could get even worse!
Thank you for sticking with this. I'm beginning to feel it will never end!
Redheredh
· 25 September 2005
· Chapter 10: Excuses
What a sweet moment. The parent and children coming to terms about how they truly love each other despite occassional misunderstandings or mistakes. Both still growing together - sheltering, entwined, supportive, forgiving.
I especially like Celebrian observing when holding hands how small her own hands had become and the gentleness with which they now hold her. Time passes even for elves.
Elladan forgiveness for his mother's short-sightedness about the joke sounds a lot like what happened to you as the author that spawned it! 'Twas others that kept the creature heartly fed on your behalf. :D
'Course, forgivness does not change the twins' goal of getting some payback. They tend to need that kind of justice, it seems. Poor Glorfindel. He is not their naneth or adar - no matter how much of those roles besides his own he had to play.
Ah but, the conclusion is coming. Let us hope everyone handles it with grace and humour now that Celebrian, unlike Galadriel ;), has gotten the ball rolling in the right direction.
Author's reply
Elladan and Elrohir would never blame their naneth, I think, for anything. They feel extremely protective towards her. Probably still a hang-over from the wounding.
And the whole thing did expand out of nothing! (With a few suggestions and hints!) How can they possibly accuse Celebrian of tormenting them deliberately?
They aren't prepared simply to let the matter drop, though. They are too competitive for that. And since they can't blame their naneth - and even their sense of self-preservation stops them challenging their daernaneth and daeradar, who is left but Elrond and/or Glorfindel? Aragorn, Arwen and Gimli are beyond their reach!
The twins just need a scheme so clever, so subtle that it won't backfire on them. Can they pull it off? Only time will tell!
harrowcat
· 24 September 2005
· Chapter 10: Excuses
Lovely chapter Bodkin. I have always been fascinated by Celebrian and Gilraen too. I love Glorfindel too but I wouldn't want to be in his shoes right now!
Author's reply
Thank you. I somehow think that Glorfindel is going to get most of the blame from Elladan and Elrohir. They aren't going to blame their naneth; they are too cautious to blame their grandparents; Elrond wasn't there at the time (and is their lord and father) - but Glorfindel . . .
I must finish this and post the next chapter of Arwen's Heart. (Stupid title. Don't know why I called it that.) Gilraen features quite strongly in that.
I think a lot of the females in LotR are particularly fascinating because there is so little about them - except in how they influenced the males in their lives. And so many of them aren't even named!
Kitty
· 24 September 2005
· Chapter 10: Excuses
A wonderful tender chapter! It is so sweet how caring the twins are of their nana, and in this chapter are some insightful parts about the relationship of parents and their children and about children of a certain age.
But on the other hand ... of course Celebrían gets away with everything, because the twins don't want to hurt or disappoint her. Now I wonder if she came on her own accord, or if the other "adults" have send her to make good for their jest?
Author's reply
That's a cunning thought! But I don't think it would work necessarily. The twins are more than happy to excuse their naneth her part in not revealing the joke - but that doesn't mean they have forgiven those they consider more responsible for allowing it to happen in the first place.
I'm sure they will still be seeking some form of satisfaction.
I'm glad you liked the parts about parents and children - it's not always an easy relationship. For either side. Thank you.
Larner
· 23 September 2005
· Chapter 10: Excuses
Ah--confession is so good for the soul! Heh!
Author's reply
The twins would forgive their naneth anyway - just because she is their naneth. But she has managed to arouse all the protective feelings they have for her.
(They share her mischievous nature - so they would probably have done exactly the same. And they are honest enough to know it, too.) Thank you.
elliska
· 23 September 2005
· Chapter 10: Excuses
Elladan and Elrohir with their mum was very sweet! Of course she gets away with anything.
I love the image of the twins as children that this line produced: I would have you still as my joy-filled ellyn – to whom each day was a new adventure.’
And I love the twins' analysis that if they'd been older or younger they would not have been fooled--that is too true. There is a certain age when we just know everything, isn't there? Pity that age doesn't last longer. ;-)
And I loved the last line. Hehehe. There will be more to this. :-)
Author's reply
It has to stop soon! But it does have a bit more. Although I'm trying to find a way of bringing it to a conclusion!
E2 would let their mother walk all over them if she wanted to - but it's an exclusive right and not extended to certain golden-haired elven warriors.
Mothers would love to capture their children at certain moments and preserve them there - but it can't be done. (Of course there are other moments you are only too happy to have pass as quickly as possible.)
There is a certain age when we just know everything, isn't there? Pity that age doesn't last longer. ;-) Well - the confidence is good, but I think those round us are quite glad when we get through that stage. Cocksure teens are not the most enjoyable company. And if the twins hadn't been so . . . self-absorbed - there wouldn't be a problem now!
Thank you. More soon.
Rose Sared
· 23 September 2005
· Chapter 10: Excuses
Oh yes, what an interesting burden parental pride is. Not necessarily a bad burden but a weight to be carried non the less. I find myself feeling very glad I am not an elf and will not have to live with my parenting triumphs and tragedies for eternity, nor bear my experience of my parents and grandparents etc issues for ever.
We go paddling in deep waters sometimes when we start with a jest, aye?
Rose
Author's reply
Parental pride - can provide a lot to live up to. And when the twins look at their ancestry, it probably makes it even worse. They know their parents love them, no matter what - but then they want them to do their best. And their examples of doing your best include Earendil and Elu and Beren and Luthien and all the rest of those legendary heroes. I don't envy elves their immortality.
And, given 3000 years or so to grow, even the simplest jest can grow into something rather disproportionately large.
TithenFeredir
· 23 September 2005
· Chapter 10: Excuses
Humor aside, the best part of this was the tenderness of the twins for their naneth. The image of those two identical warriors kissing her cheeks was the best. So sweet. ~TF
Author's reply
The twins love their naneth dearly. They would rather abandon any thought of revenge than blame her for their plight - so they are delighted to be able to excuse her part in the game. I love the picture of them together, too. I quite like the image of her hands dwarfed in theirs.
Thank you.
ponypetter
· 23 September 2005
· Chapter 10: Excuses
This has turned into an interesting read. I started reading Reflections a while ago, then I got left behind, and now I don't even remember where I was. Maybe I'll get around to catching up again soon. ;) I thought at first not to read this, since it was a spin-off from that story, but I'm glad I did.
Of course it's not as simple as a little family joke. That would just be too small in scope for Elrohir and Elladan. It's appropriate that the joke played on them has escalated. It shows how much elven families are like ours!
Author's reply
I'm glad you're enjoying it. It won't turn out anywhere near as long as Reflections! (Although there isn't really any story to follow in Reflections. It's more or less chronological, but other than that, most chunks stand alone, so you can dip in anywhere.)
This joke started as such a simple thing - (Glorfindel thought it was really funny) - and is getting more complex by the moment. And when things have been escalating for about 3000 years, they've had time to get pretty complicated!
Thank you.
Dot
· 23 September 2005
· Chapter 10: Excuses
Oh, now this is lovely. I love seeing Celebrían with her sons. It’s also a nice glimpse into the origins of this joke, that I’d forgotten by now – a mother’s pleasure in seeing her sons so eager and innocent.
It’s sad to think that she might still hold some guilt over the path her sons’ lives took. I’m glad they were able to reassure her, even a little. ‘you guide them and you love them and you set them free.’ That’s lovely. I like the thought that after all that has happened in his life and all these years later, Elrohir recognises and respects the way his parents raised him and wants to do the same for his children. It must be very rewarding for a parent to know that their child wants to be the same kind of parent.
It had been, at times, harder to live up to their naneth’s pride in them than to their adar’s expectations. I thought that was very insightful! So true in so many families, I should think! These two clearly would never want to hurt their mother in any way or have her think less of them. I know I was brought up to believe that the worst thing I could ever do was upset my mother. Even my wayward brother never wanted to disappoint her, whereas he’d try anything with his father. And, of course, it certainly takes a lot to live up to Celebrían’s side of the family!
I love the thought of Celebrían finding comfort in the memory of sharing this joke with her mother while she listened to her sons’ laughter. It almost makes me ashamed of thinking how clever she is in getting her sons’ forgiveness and being safely out of the path of any revenge ;-)
‘Just,’ Elladan added with a wicked grin, ‘do not tell Adar and Glorfindel. We are not ready to let them off the hook so easily.’ LOL. The downside of the Blessed Realm. Nowhere to flee :-)
Author's reply
The joke grew out of all recognition really - and it was innocuous in the beginning, at least as far as Celebrian was concerned. (Glorfindel, though . . . )
She doesn't know in blow-by-blow detail what the twins turned into after she sailed - but she isn't stupid and the reserve of those round her will have told her a lot. I can imagine that she will have demanded the truth from Galadriel when she arrived. And that her naneth will have had enough respect for her strength of mind that she will have been fairly open about it. Elrond, on the other hand - she won't have asked him. He will have wanted to shield her.
I think there are some aspects of parenthood - things your parents did for you - that you don't really realise fully until you have your own children. Elrohir's difficult twinlets have made him think a good deal about how his own parents managed him and Elladan - and respect their skills / methods / principles. And want to do the same. Elladan has thought about it less - Elrin is a much easier child to guide.
It can't have been easy for the twins once they were old enough to see beyond their parents simply as parents - (5-ish HE) and saw what they had to live up to. Elrond will have wanted them to do their best - but their naneth will have known that they would do everything they could to achieve all they could. And they would have wanted so much not to disappoint her.
In those 500 ish years while Celebrian healed and waited for Elrond, she must have sifted through all the joyful memories and treasured them - never knowing if she would see her sons again. After all, if she heard rumours of their prowess in battle, she must have feared that they would end up in the Halls of Mandos.
You think she's being sneaky in winning over her sons? I'm shocked! Although her desire for reconciliation is convenient. I don't think the twins would take revenge on her anyway - they are soft as putty in the hands of their females.
Their male kin - including Glorfindel - on the other hand, might not be so lucky.
Dot
· 23 September 2005
· Chapter 9: Sharp Practice
‘The trick played on you was unfair.’ That’s right, Legolas. You go on and take the high road. Much better than being the one who inadvertently ruined a centuries-old joke.
‘All we need is enough people to convince Adar that the use of those terms is widespread.’ Ah, so they didn’t realise that others actually are using the phrases. How they didn’t hear their children and Legolas did, I don’t know. I’m cringing at the thought that Elrin and the young twins have picked this up. Things certainly have got out of hand!
I really liked the moment when Legolas repeats Gimli’s words. Very well done and nicely touching. It’s interesting too. So it’s not so much evolved but it’s rather like the old game of Chinese whispers, in that what most elves are saying bears little resemblance to the original? I guess… that’s a good thing?
I’m laughing at the thought of asking Aulë. They should send Glorfindel! Although, maybe Aulë is the type who’s been having a laugh at this for the last few centuries. I bet he’s pretty annoyed with Legolas too!!
Author's reply
Well - Legolas doesn't want E2 turning on him! Keep the trick before their eyes, Thranduilion.
Knowing that others are using 'those terms'. They're not the kind of phrases (they think) the use of which you make too obvious. And I don't know that the twins are too given to listening. They are a bit more life and soul of the party types. (Well, Elladan certainly is.) And Elrin and the twinlets have probably been exposed to the real stuff rather than the Chinese whisperers. They will have to be STOPPED. (Although I think E2L will enjoy the thought of Haldir mangling the secret tongue far too much to want to put an end to that!)
Sending Glorfindel to talk to Aule! What a good idea! I imagine Aule as quite a boisterous Vala - so I should think he could enjoy the joke. Perhaps he'll come and visit and tell them all to leave it alone. Or would that be beneath his dignity?
Dot
· 23 September 2005
· Chapter 8: Royal Displeasure
This is great! There’s Galadriel, feeling sulky because the joke has been ruined and trying to be all cool and disdainful and young Thranduilion puts her firmly in her place! Go Legolas! I’m glad Celeborn enjoyed the scene too ;-)
I understand that Galadriel and Celeborn’s silence was complicated in the end by their grief for their daughter but still, it had gone on a long time by then. As Celeborn points out, Legolas had the advantage of being right.
‘You could, I suggest, start by asking Lord Celeborn to speak to Haldir. The conversation might prove illuminating.’ *choke* That’s hilarious!
And Legolas is darn right too about the situation being complex!! I’m dying to see how this is solved. I’m starting to think that forgetting about it might be a good idea. And hoping that life in the Blessed Realm is so peaceful that none of the way-too-many people who’ve picked up bits of the language will find it necessary to lapse into Khuzdul very often ;-)
Author's reply
Galadriel was a trifle taken aback but just how authoritative young Thranduilion could be when he put his mind to it! Not unimpressed either - I think she quite appreciates having people around who will stand up to her. And Celeborn is always prepared to give her the benefit of his opinion! (We'll hear more from Galadriel later, too.)
I think the Chinese Whisper Khuzdul is now sufficiently meaningless that it's best ignored. Except, perhaps, in the case of some whose sharp ears are slightly nearer the pair who use the original phrases.
It was fun presenting regal Legolas. I usually find him quite quiet and modest. Still, he is relatively young - in the 'only 1500' sense. (Which is only young compared to others!) And he's not generally much into throwing his weight around. But he can show himself as his father's son when he wants to!
Dot
· 23 September 2005
· Chapter 7: Revelation
Wow, this story has grown!!
Well, Celebrían certainly knows her sons! She reads them so easily. Of course she and Galadriel don’t want the twins knowing they’ve played a part in deceiving them! Not that they have to worry about any revenge. I doubt Elladan and Elrohir would do anything to their beloved Naneth, and they have more sense than to take on wily old granny. ‘And I will have to have a word with young Thranduilion' LOL. I knew Legolas should have kept his mouth shut.
It’s hilarious watching them all watching each other. I actually think Elladan is right that Glorfindel would have been the best one to say something to them. Unfortunately, Glorfindel seems to like a good joke… Will they get revenge on him? I’d like to see them try!
*cringe* I hadn’t thought about how many must have been ‘educated’ by the twins. So the fact that half the Blessed Realm is now using embarrassing phrases in Khuzdul is entirely the fault of all those in on the joke? Well, it’s worth a shot…
Author's reply
Oh my, but the story has grown! Bit like the Khuzdul curses, really. It has got OUT OF HAND. But it has just been such fun.
I can't imagine that the twins would blame their naneth - or their daernaneth (if they value their safety). They've been brought up to be fierce warriors in battle and gentle as kittens with the ladies in their lives. (Could be part of Elrohir's difficulties with the twinlets now I come to think of it.)
Perhaps Galadriel has 'seen' how complex the whole business is going to be to sort out - and feels like tearing a strip off the one who revealed the business.
Yes, I think Glorfindel would have been the best to speak. Within a century of the incident, preferably. But he is a terrible tease - and then I think the whole thing just disappeared from their minds really. I can't see the twins running about using their debatable grasp of Khuzdul in front of their family on purpose. So it could be surprising just how many of their friends and acquaintances have picked up a word or two.
Their plan could do with a bit more work though . . .
Jay of Lasgalen
· 23 September 2005
· Chapter 10: Excuses
So Celebrían's been forgiven. I'm glad. After what happened, I think E2 will forgive her anything.
There's a great depth to this line: 'It had been, at times, harder to live up to their naneth’s pride in them than to their adar’s expectations.' Because of who they were, there must have been great pressure on them from all sides to live up to what was expected of them - a far greater responsibility than was expected of other young warriors.
I do hope, though, that E2 will get their own back on Elrond and Glorfindel!
Author's reply
Yes, I do think E2 would let Celebrian get away with almost anything. And they can see her point.
I think the weight of expectations is why they often seem a rather frivolous pair - after all, how do you live up to Elrond / Galadriel / Celeborn / Earendil / Elwing / Melian / Elu / Luthien / Beren / Finwe and so on. And even ignoring ancestor - they were their parents' and grandparents' heirs. Yet did not inherit - not even, entirely, after Elrond sailed - because Daeradar was still there to take on ultimate ancestral authority. It's done them good to become husbands and fathers. Given them something of their own.
Celebrian is forgiven easily. But I'm sure they will brood at length over Glorfindel and Elrond's perfidy.
daw the minstrel
· 23 September 2005
· Chapter 10: Excuses
What a wonderful picture of Celebrian! I loved the idea that she treasured the joyful moments when she was healing, that they helped her heal. And I can see why she wanted to let the joke ride.
Author's reply
And the twins would never object to anything that made their naneth happy - it she found the joke entertaining, that was good enough for them. Although that doesn't mean they are planning on letting everyone escape some kind of vengeance!
I just hope they think it all through properly!
Rose Sared
· 22 September 2005
· Chapter 9: Sharp Practice
Ah, the thick plottens! I say get in the Valar - a misery shared and all that!
Poor old Legs, he misses his dwarf, and potty mouthed children, obviously a universal problem.
Cannot wait to see what comes next
Rose
Author's reply
Ah yes. Every twist brings about a few more. And every problem has me scratching my head for a solution. (But Legolas needn't miss his dwarf, need he? You can fix it for them!)
The Dwarf, the King and the Evenstar. The lack of whom provides the glue that holds the twins and Legolas together. Because I don't think they really knew each other at all before the WotR. And we're back to the core of sadness that is central to elves.
But potty mouthed children can act as a distraction!
Next. Thank you. Yes. And next and next. But it has to end soon - although I've given up predicting when!
BM
· 21 September 2005
· Chapter 9: Sharp Practice
This story was wonderfully written! It was very light-hearted and amusing, and I greatly enjoyed it. You give such a refreshing view of the elves' lives in the blessed realm! And you remained in book cannon, instead of movie, which I find to be quite impressive. Not that I'm ridiculing the movies--they are among my top favorite ever made and inspired me to read the books, the hobbit, and the simarillion to date (the other books will definitely follow!)--but I quickly grasped the difference in the book view of Tolkien's world and the movies, especially concerning the blessed realm.
And you story was so well written! I always rate stories on how well they pull me into the plot, and yours was a perfect 10! I could just picture every character, the scenery--everything! It was like I was there! And such realism! The characters came to life for me! Truly, you should be writing novels. Please continue with your work--I am definitely adding you to my favorites list. Thank you so much for sharing such great talent and such a delightful, humorous story!
Author's reply
Thank you. This is proving to be such fun to write - it has expanded like bread dough - I started convinced that the original part was all that needed to be said and, as people commented, it would spread to include most of the twins' family. It's still growing, but more slowly now and I am hoping it won't last more than another three or four segments - it just needs a conclusion of some sort!
I am so flattered by your comment - I have grown to love these characters dearly and I'm glad they came to life for you.
(I have given Legolas and the twins families - some of whom are mentioned in part 12, I think. There is a prologue to the story 'Elflings' that explains who is who, should you wish to know.)
Redheredh
· 21 September 2005
· Chapter 9: Sharp Practice
...they are never going to look on us as rational adults. Heh! Certainly not if they keep this up. Legolas is right again.
The stunned silence at learning Elrohir's girls were expressing themselves so freely was hilarious!
I still wonder about who this sort of behaviour reflects upon and who should remedy it. But, we shall see. ;)
...whatever you descendants of Finwe might do! Because Bodkin is such a good - and kind - storyteller.
Author's reply
It doesn't surprise me that Aewlin and Nimloth are using the expressions - and they are such little parrots, I'm sure that their accents are much better than most people's. Perhaps Galadriel or Elrond should use the teaching response - they want to speak Khuzdul, they can put in the effort to learn it properly.
Poor Elladan and Elrohir. They took too long to grow up really - two and a half thousand years is quite a long adolescence, even for an elf. And they are rational adults - and seen as them - most of the time these days. But they do want some revenge. On someone.
I'm not sure it's entirely possible to stop the mangled Khuzdul - but as it is now meaningless, it probably doesn't matter - it has degenerated into no more than a satisfying collection of venomous sounds. But we shall - might - see.
Thank you. I'm still wallowing in the repercussions of this tale. And new bits keep appearing. But it must come to an end soon.