Bodkin, this is brilliant. My internet time has been serious curtailed recently, so I haven't been able to keep up and review chapter by chapter, but I just wanted you to know how much I'm enjoying it. And how many "laugh out loud" moments you just gave me! Wonderful, as ever. I certainly do enjoy everything you write.
Author's reply
I'm glad you're enjoying it - it has been tremendous fun to write. (Curtailed internet time is bad - haven't you just started a new challenge? I hope it's going well!)
Each of these sections is quite short - but they've been throwing themselves at me like lemmings at the cliff's edge. I will get back to other things soon. Thank you, Bejai.
pipinheart
· 17 September 2005
· Chapter 7: Revelation
Lovely... They now suspect that thier mother and Grandmother knew and others as well... And now want to tell others not to say those words...
Nice work...
Author's reply
Thank you. I'm not sure if they really care much about others using those words - but they do want to make their elders cringe. And give them the responsibility for setting things straight. After all - if they had been told the truth 3000 years ago, there wouldn't be a problem, now, would there?
Redheredh
· 16 September 2005
· Chapter 7: Revelation
Oh yeah, just 4 chapters. The joke really cannot go much longer than that. Ha! Well, we are all very glad that it did. ;) Thanks, Bodkin.
And now, a Chapter 7! Yay! An even dozen would be an appropriate number, no?
Excellent chapter! I love how you write these characters and their wonderful interaction.
So, E2 is aware of the flaw in their plan, but still going for whatever revenge they can get out of it, eh? Personally, I would not be surprised if several younger elves, more then they figure, did pick up their dwarfish curses.
Who in those families would know the difference or mention this expressive flaw in one's character in polite society? Their naneths and adars would not curb their offspring either, methinks. Any more than the twins kin did, but for entirely different reasons.
E2 could be headed for a fall, not their elders. Goodness, when those elflings that did look up to the twins begin to suspect that they themselves have been the butt of yet another Elrondionath prank.
They might indeed have a problem...
Author's reply
It has got a little out of hand. And it's still growing - although I think it's maybe not quite as funny now that there are hurt feelings involved. E2s plan is a bit of an impulse - they would have been better to think it through a bit more - but it has its merits.
I'm sure that nothing will be as simple as they think!
There must be plenty of younger elves (under 3000) who have picked up some of the twins' turns of phrase - but who hopefully don't know what they mean. (I'd be tempted to leave well enough alone and just let them get on with it - it's not as if there are lots of dwarves around to get offended / amused.)
A problem? We will see!
harrowcat
· 16 September 2005
· Chapter 7: Revelation
Deviousness on deviousness causing silly grins all round.! 'oh what tangled webs we weave' when we choose not to undeceive! (Ouch bad misquote - sorry)
Jay of Lasgalen
· 16 September 2005
· Chapter 7: Revelation
Ah, I like the ending to this delightful tale. Those who kept the secret have been rumbled - and E2 are going to make them pay! The twins are due a little revenge, I think, after the way their nearest and dearest fooled them (or failed to enlighten them, which amounts to the same thing in this case).
Author's reply
There should be revenge of a sort. But although E2 would be more than happy to put Glorfindel - and possibly Elrond - through torment, they are too soft-hearted to want to torture Celebrian. And too wary to tease Galadriel. Who is not pleased with Legolas.
But there are still ripples spreading in this pool, so there might be more parts yet!
perelleth
· 16 September 2005
· Chapter 7: Revelation
It would be a shame to spoil a joke that has been going on for soooo long, so it is only fair that two more players are included here.. Best reaction is action.. or something like that!
Adar, we have a problem... that was great indeed! :-) The mischievous nature of elves, a case study, this could become, Bodkin.. truly it was a great idea, for them to turn tables into their elders. NOw I would be running in search of Thranduil, if I were Legolas.. just in case Galadriel feels the need to talk to him right now...
SO all in all, now we have a pretty good bunch of people just pretending innocence, and soon a poor Legolas wondering when the next ship to Eressea sets sail, surely... Great great grwoing little thing! :-)
Author's reply
Oh, Galadriel feels the need to pin Legolas down all right!! And possibly pin him to something.
Now revenge has crept into frame - goodness knows what will happen next. I think there might need to be a serious talk - although that would rather detract from the humour of it all. This is the kind of situation that could be defused quite easily if only Naneth would take a hand.
And it's still growing. More slowly now, but tendrils are still seeking something to twine round.
Kitty
· 16 September 2005
· Chapter 7: Revelation
*ROFL*
That was truly fun! This chapter maybe most of all. How they all knew the others knew ... and I loved it how the twins decided to tell the others.
Now I only hope in this the twins are victorious, even if their parents, grandparents and Glorfindel had teamed up against them so far. I feel always so protective of Elladan and Elrohir! And I have to admit, they are right about the further spreading of the phrases. *This* their elders have to take on their consciences! Although their consciences seem to take all the many occasions the twins said all this very well - it's a shame! They will be dignified elven lords? *shakes head*
And imagine other elves finds out what they let the twins spread further and further without doing anything against it, although they *knew* it :-D
And I wonder what they would say to Legolas? They had their fun at the expense of the twins for millennia - that was long enough and not always fair. No reason to complain - they're no elflings of whom someone has taken away their toys ;-)
I look forward to more - hopefully this is not completed yet ;-)
Author's reply
Thank you - I'm glad you enjoyed it. Once the twins thought about it they couldn't help but realise that their parents and grandparents knew. And Glorfindel. I don't know if they've thought about Gimli yet - but at least he isn't around to attract their revenge.
I don't think Elladan and Elrohir have thought their plot through - it seemed like a good idea at the time, but it's a bit of an impulse. They might be surprised though . . .
I don't think Galadriel is very pleased with Legolas at the moment. She really doesn't appreciate not being in control.
There is probably going to be more. It keeps growing - it'll turn into a monster in the end.
daw the minstrel
· 16 September 2005
· Chapter 7: Revelation
Bad twins! LOL. And it's typical that they decide some of those who withheld information are more culpable than others. Legolas could have an interesting conversation with Galadriel.
Author's reply
Bad twins have soft hearts - they don't want to get into heated debate with their naneth. And they are too wary to waste their wrath on Daernaneth.
The males, on the other hand, are fair game. (I don't think the twins have thought their plot through properly, though. They can be a bit impetuous.)
Mmm, the beginning of L&G's conversation came to me when I was driving earlier. I don't know if it will get further than that. He might decide to run away and live in hiding. But he might decide to express his viewpoint firmly and surprise her. Don't know yet.
Rose Sared
· 16 September 2005
· Chapter 7: Revelation
Tangled, very, very tangled. Huston, we have a problem, indeed.
It was fun to read these through from first to last - what a nice end to the week!
Rose
Author's reply
Perhaps they should just all admit to the truth and get it all out of the way. But what would be the fun in that? (You would have thought that Elrohir and Elladan would know better than to think they can pull the wool over the eyes of their loving friends and family. But no. They live in hope that this time they will be able to take Glorfindel for a sucker. . . . . . Not much chance of that I'd say!)
Thank you.
lwarren
· 12 September 2005
· Chapter 1: Discretion
Ah, finally some time to review each and every one of your little "bunnies". I have read these each day and had to bite my hand to keep from whooping it up so that my sons (or my class) would not think I had well and truly lost it. *rubs hands together gleefully* Now to business...
I dearly love the interaction between Celebrian and her parents. This little scene of she and her mother enjoying a new day and listening to the children play in the background was most nostalgic for me. They spent some of the time teasing each other, but there was that little bit of sad, bittersweet commentary on wishing the boys could stay young and innocent and out of the battle. And then Celebrian makes that little statement at the very end about how she hopes she will be there to see the joke unveiled. (I thought, "Oh you will, my lady, but the path you take to get there will be a long and painful one." That was just kind of sad to me.
As for the sons of Elrond, well, even when they are not in the limelight, they make their presence known. This was, as usual, wonderful, Bodkin!
linda
Author's reply
Thank you. I'm glad you have found them entertaining! They really have carried me away over the last week or so. And every time I say 'no more' another one leaps into my head. It's getting quite out of hand.
I just don't seem to be able to get away from wisps of sorrow with elves. So much time, so many tragedies. And, of course, our foreknowledge of what happens to these characters adds a tinge of grief. But at least we know they get there in the end (in my world) and Celebrian is reunited with her sons and parents (if not her daughter) and they will be happy.
The sons of Elrond are such fun - and a mass of contradictions. At this time their exuberance is just youth - but later, I think they use it to counter their own sorrow. But eventually, they can bind the two together and lead happy lives. Eventually.
Glad you liked it!
Jay of Lasgalen
· 12 September 2005
· Chapter 6: Awareness
It's heartbreaking to consider Elrond's sadness when he thought the twins would never come to the blessed realm: 'their loss long since mourned, the hollowness of their absence endured'.
Their arrival (and seeing Celebrían healed) began their healing and completed his. I like their revived delight in living - it's clear that that had been absent for a long time.
So, finally, he knows that she knows, and she knows that he knows (and that's not easy to type!!) I knew they would eventually find out and share their amusement.
Thanks for this delightful series, Bodkin. They've been a joy to read.
Author's reply
Poor Elrond must have wondered what he had done wrong to have all his children wrenched from him. It must have shadowed his reunion with Celebrian, however brave a face they put on it. And to have them arrive, after they had been almost given up, must have brought joy to both their parents.
And the twins are filled with delight - they are fizzing like champagne. (Of course, I think they might be in love by now, just to top off their euphoria.)
They can share their amusement for some 50 - 100 years, I think. Before Legolas lets the cat among the pigeons.
Thank you. They have been great fun to do.
Jay of Lasgalen
· 12 September 2005
· Chapter 5: Man Management
It's noble of Aragorn to want to warn his brothers, and save them from embarrassment. It's notable that he's the only one of the family who want to - the rest are enjoying this far too much. I can easily imagine Arwen getting her revenge for millennia of brotherly torment.
I love the final thought of Gimli subtly adding to their vocabulary!
Author's reply
Aragorn is the only one to be caught out using dwarven 'curses', too. He can empathise with the twins' embarrassment - because he's feeling it.
I'm wondering if Arwen had managed to pick up on the joke along the way. Maybe one of the reasons (apart from 'they're my brothers') is that she knows it is her naneth's wicked little jest.
And Gimli's scheme to add to their collection of phrases is so sneaky that they'll never work it out. Probably not even after Legolas has let the cat out of the bag!
TithenFeredir
· 12 September 2005
· Chapter 6: Awareness
There are several things I really liked about this chapter. I hadn't thought of the twins arriving in Valinor in a worn and saddened state, but it does make sense given what they would have seen before they departed. For them to be set on the path to recovery by seeing their naneth again is a lovely, poignant little note. The easy familiarity between Elrond and Celebrian with its undercurrent of sensuality was very well done, as was the subtle reveal between them regarding the twins' linguistc problem.
"I am, on the other hand, shocked beyond belief that my lady should have such words in her vocabulary."
"Oh, tosh, I am not made of snowflakes, my love, to melt away at the suggestion of something warm."
I love that bit about being made of snowflakes. She is delicate, and yet not. Very nice. ~TF
Author's reply
The twins arrive exhausted and drained (in my BR) - but, just as their grief for their naneth nearly broke them, seeing her healed is enough to spark their own healing.
Celebrian is determined enough and light-hearted enough to step over Elrond's reserve - and he loves it. There are very few people Elrond allows to get really close and no-one is closer than Celebrian. And she treasures him as he deserves.
I'm glad you like the snowflake bit. Thank you.
TithenFeredir
· 12 September 2005
· Chapter 5: Man Management
Good old Aragorn. I was kind of touched by his concern for the twins. Of course he had no chance with Arwen turning on the charm. I really like the way you create a humorous situation without making the characters cartoonish. It's all the more fun for the subtlety. On to the next! ~TF
Author's reply
Aragorn was caught out too! I think maybe that gave him a fellow feeling of sympathy with his foster brothers. Of course, once he'd had time to think about it . . . And Arwen - (I wonder if her naneth told her why she shouldn't copy her brothers' vocabulary?) - wasn't going to let this joke be ruined. I can't help inserting a tinge of weltschmerz - elves, particularly just have this unavoidable edge of sorrow.
And I'm glad I manage to avoid cartoonish. Thank you.
Rose Sared
· 12 September 2005
· Chapter 6: Awareness
Ah, nice, poor sad Elrond redeemed and a happy ending in Valinor for almost everyone. Of course he would know the language, at least enough to discuss the matter of rings and things with those he needed to. You have such a light touch with this angsty stuff, lovely.
Rose
Author's reply
If ever anybody deserved a happy ending, it must be Elrond. Endurance should be his middle name.
Elrond is, I think, one of these natural student types with an endless curiosity. If there's something out there to know, he would want to know it. (Unlike Elros - who was, in my mind anyway, more of an active physical type - like his nephews.)
You could wallow in sorrow with elves - but they have to have been able to put it aside and enjoy the moments of glory.
Thank you. This has been such fun - it's lightened my week enormously.
Redheredh
· 11 September 2005
· Chapter 6: Awareness
You create such beautful moments between husbands and wifes. *sigh* Love and Laughs... perfect combination for a long life together.
Now personally, I think Legolas was put up to it. That is to finally reveal the truth at an opportune moment.
Also, like Celeborn, he had to know generally what was being said way back in their earlier days (if you think they were friends before the Council of Elrond or even if immediatly afterwards). Thranduil did trade with the men and dwarves around Iron Mountain after all. Gimli just clarified matters for Legolas.
But, when you think about it with all the perfectly happy people relishing such elflingish ammusment, why would their best friend break down and undermine their confidence for no particular reason? He has got to be working towards something... or for someone...
Gosh, please don't mind me and my suspicious mind. I think I've been hanging with Elrovail too long.
Author's reply
Celebrian teases Elrond a lot more than Galadriel does Celeborn. She is good at being flirtatious and bubbly - which is very good for Elrond.
You think the revelation was a set up? (If only I'd thought of that!)
I don't think Elladan and Elrohir were friendly before the War of the Ring really. Legolas was too busy in Mirkwood and the twins were off doing their thing. And he's a couple of millennia younger than them. They became friends in Gondor really - the Queen's brothers and the King's close friend from the Fellowship - and then, after the loss of Aragorn and Arwen, Legolas sailed and the twins remained for a few hundred more years. But, once they met up in the Blessed Realm they found they had more in common with each other than with pretty well anyone else - because they shared their love of A and A and their grief at their division from them. (The twins' familiarity with Thranduil dates from those post-Aragorn years, when Celeborn, Glorfindel and the twins joined him in Lasgalen for the last struggle.)
But you are right that Legolas must have heard them using these phrases before - so why did he tell them? Maybe he caught Elrin and Galenthil cussing out their friends and thought that the joke had gone far enough? I don't think he's caught on to the fact that Gimli stoked the fires with a few extra choice phrases. Or maybe he has.
Goodness this is getting complicated! Thank you. I will have to see what happens . . .
perelleth
· 11 September 2005
· Chapter 6: Awareness
Events would have to be very brave not to prove your naneth right, my love,’ LOL! indeed!
And now we're in the blessed realm, where LEgolas, inadvertently, has opened up the box and let the secret fly...And Elrond finally got his own sweet revenge. So, everybody has been hiding something for all those years... a three thousand years joke! No wonder Celebrían is reluctant to make a move...
And I was wondering.. maybe Gimli wrote the first "Khuzdul for Dummies, er Elves" and was a best seller?
Author's reply
I can imagine the muse of history cowering and deciding it had better jolly well go Galadriel's way! Or it's Vaire, isn't it?, who weaves the tapestry of life. Weaving very carefully around the Lady of the Golden Wood.
I don't think Legolas has an ulterior motive - perhaps he has caught Elrin and Galenthil sharing some of the twins' favourite phrases and thought that this should be stopped before all the young elves in the Blessed Realm are offering to dry dwarves' feet with their hair.
Celebrian - and Elrond - probably feel that this joke is better left secret. I would imagine never would be soon enough to have it revealed - but they've only got another fifty years or so.
Oh yes, Khuzdul for Elves. That would have been an interesting title - top of the best sellers throughout the Blessed Realm, earning Gimli a mint - and he could leave the copyright to Legolas, who would now be coining it in . . .
Dot
· 11 September 2005
· Chapter 6: Awareness
The more I read of this, the more I’m beginning to feel that Legolas was a bit of a spoilsport for telling them in the end!! I know, he didn’t know that so many others knew… But still, spoilsport!
I adored the beginning of this. What a wonderful job you did in showing Elrond’s feelings. I really felt his grief and guilt at leaving them behind and it’s just so great that he can begin to experience joy again.
Your Celebrían always makes me smile. I wholeheartedly support her project of making her husband relax and let the lighter side of him emerge. I laughed out loud when she tells Elrond what each of her parents thought of him. I can’t quite imagine Celeborn outright calling Elrond “dull” but I can certainly see him wondering if he’d be a good match for his vivacious daughter. Galadriel, of course, was completely right. ‘Underestimated,’ Elrond reminded her complacently. ‘Listen to your naneth.’ ROTFL!
I love the image of Elladan and Elrohir trying to stifle their laughter and sneak quietly into the house. We’ve probably all been there… But what makes it so great is the fact that it’s just pure happiness that’s filling their spirits.
The scene where Elrond and Celebrían discover that they both knew is brilliant! One of the best things Celebrían ever said is this: ‘I am not made of snowflakes, my love, to melt away at the suggestion of something warm.’ What a wonderful line! I just love your Elrond and Celebrían together.
‘After all this time?’ Celebrían smiled. ‘May that discovery never come.’ Hmm. I’m cringing at the thought of the twins discovering that more people than Legolas knew. Not they ever have to. But something tells me they might…
Author's reply
If only they'd thought ahead. Between them Galadriel, Celeborn, Glorfindel, Elrond and Celebrian ought to have been able to overawe one Thranduilion and get him to vow eternal secrecy!
Elrond is so responsible - he must have felt worse for leaving his children than he would if they had left him. But he does deserve to be able to let it go now - and Celebrian is just the elleth to help him. Flirtatious, mischievous, strong-minded - and loving. She was paraphrasing her adar's words, right? He wondered whether Elrond was too amenable to stand up to her and too conventional to suit her. But Galadriel could see beneath the surface.
Elladan and Elrohir are just - bubbling. Like champagne. And it is a joy for their family to see them. (Probably in love. At this point. A leggy blonde and a dark healer with a sharp wit.)
I enjoy Elrond and Celebrian. And for all her frosty moonlit beauty, she is tied to the earth - and warm and real. Just what Elrond needs.
Sigh. I'm rather sorry that the twins find out at all now. It would me more fun to keep them in ignorance. But still - they are their parents' children. Whatever that might suggest!!
Paradise of Elves 72 for the next bit. (Although I think I will attach it here later as well. Just to keep the whole thing together. And not necessarily because something else might come after it.)
daw the minstrel
· 11 September 2005
· Chapter 6: Awareness
The first two sentences of this were so good that I had to stop and read them again. They do such a wonderful job of conveying what Elrond had felt and felt now.
So what makes Celebrian think the twins will find out soon enough? It's Legolas who eventually breaks down and tells them as I recall.
Author's reply
Thank you.
I think the theory there is that never is soon enough. I'm sure they all rather hope, by this point, that the whole thing remains secret. After all, there are no dwarves around who might pick up on the scandalous use of the secret language.
If they'd only thought to collar the only elf close to them who had spent enough time with dwarves to be able to reveal the truth - and swear him to secrecy!
But it's too late now.
harrowcat
· 11 September 2005
· Chapter 6: Awareness
Delicious Bodkin.
And the largest part of me really wants the twins to find out what they have been saying! Pleeeeeese! But I can't imagine being able to write it! (*manic, challenging grin*)
Author's reply
Oh my. The twins are about to react - a bit - in Reflections 72. And then there is a little scene that appeared in my head this morning.
Problem being this is now in two stories. I'll have to see if the scene works. I might copy the two Reflections in here later - just to round off this and then it might work.
But there will be a Reflection coming tomorrow! Thank you for reading all this!
pipinheart
· 11 September 2005
· Chapter 6: Awareness
A lovely scene with the twins and thier parents watching... It seems thier mother still dosen't want to tell them she knows... Very sweet
Author's reply
I think Celebrian might be worried about what Galadriel said at the beginning - the twins might be hurt if they think she knows. Even grown up children don't like feeling they are the victims of mockery.
But the twins are more grown up than she thinks. Maybe.
Thank you for reading.
pipinheart
· 11 September 2005
· Chapter 5: Man Management
Arwen has a sense of humor and wants to keep it secret, I wonder who all knew this as the twins said these words.
Gimli as well has his eye on not telling and enjoying himself too...
Author's reply
Gimli is going to try to collect the phrases used by the twins - and he has a cunning plan to add to their vocabulary. He isn't actually going to teach Elladan and Elrohir new expressions. He is just going to use them where the twins can hear him - and then give himself points on the strength of which ones the sons of Elrond pick up and how absurd they are.
And Arwen knows, I think, that her naneth is in on this joke and doesn't want it spoiled by a bit of brotherly solidarity between Aragorn and the twins. She has some very effective weapons when it comes to bending Elessar to her will - and she is prepared to use them!
Thank you.
pipinheart
· 11 September 2005
· Chapter 4: Brothers Beneath the Skin
Very amusing... Gimli is in on the joke as well, but will teach Legolas to know better...
Author's reply
Thank you. Gimli wouldn't want HIS elf making a fool of himself. But he will have to be careful - he doesn't want to spoil the joke by letting Legolas know too much!
Redheredh
· 10 September 2005
· Chapter 5: Man Management
*Snicker* The King wisely pronounces his verdict. And the Queen approves. Hehe! All she needed to do at that point was patronizingly pat his hand. LOL!
All these little scenes were just wonderful! Excellent explanation for why the joke went on for sooo long!
Thnaks for writing them down for us all to read and enjoy.
...untidy hair... You can take the king out of the ranger, but you cannot take the ranger out of the king, eh? ;D
Author's reply
Arwen isn't managing the King - is she? She's not really using millennia of experience to turn the Dunedain to mush while she messes with his mind?
I think she's be in on the joke for a long time - probably since before her naneth sailed. She's not going to let a bit of brotherly solidarity spoil it now. Not to mention that she and Gimli can see the potential for even more fun in this.
I'm glad you've enjoyed this. It grew rather - and could actually grow further, but I think it's gone as far as it should. I'm starting to feel rather sorry for the twins!
Untidy hair, straggly beard, unable to keep his clothes looking immaculate! I don't know what Arwen saw in the ranger. Oh, wait . . .
Thank you.
Larner
· 10 September 2005
· Chapter 5: Man Management
OOOHHHHH--Arwen is WILEY! Letting her brothers continue to make verbal fools of themselves for Gimli's amusement while distracting her beloved so physically! Hehehehehe! Wiley woman, wiley woman! Love IT!
Author's reply
Arwen can twist Aragorn round her little finger. Not, of course that she would take advantage of that!!
I wonder if Arwen knows that Glorfindel knows . . . and that her adar and daeradar and daernaneth know . . . and that her naneth . . . Do you know, I think she does!! Little Arwen was only too keen to copy her big brothers, now wasn't she? But her naneth could hardly permit her daughter to use that kind of language . . . And then, maybe Arwen was a bit more enthusiastic a student and found some of those words in Elrond's Khuzdul dictionary.
She and Gimli are going to have a lot of fun with this. (So is Aragorn, once he has got over the awkwardness.)