TithenFeredir
· 8 September 2005
· Chapter 3: A Light at a Dark Time
At first I thought I had mistaken the title. You started with such a sad, beautiful scene and I was settling down to enjoy all of it's nuances. Then you quietly slipped in the image of the grieving, vengeful twins raging in the thick of battle, calling on the Valar to give them strength and let them be a dwarf maiden's lapdog. My screen is covered with breakfast. You are evil, Bodkin. Can't wait for the next. ~TF
Author's reply
'calling on the Valar to give them strength and let them be a dwarf maiden's lapdog'
Isn't it just a delicious juxtaposition of images? Doesn't it bring a whole new aspect to battle?
And even in the midst of sorrow, the twins' - er - facility with language has managed to bring a moment of relief to their grandparents. I expect they'd be pleased if they knew. Wouldn't they?
Another piece has inserted itself - so there are currently two more to come.
daw the minstrel
· 8 September 2005
· Chapter 3: A Light at a Dark Time
You show telling details so well, Bodkin. The rustle of silk, the way the light bends when looked at through tears. Do you have to consciously do that? Or do they just sort of occur to you as you write?
Author's reply
I'm embarrassed to admit it - (it doesn't feel like proper controlled writing skill) - but it just comes. No conscious effort at all really. Now structuring a story! Or interweaving plot - they are much, much harder.
Dot
· 8 September 2005
· Chapter 3: A Light at a Dark Time
It’s becoming a most enjoyable part of my day to read these with my cup of tea in the morning :-)
This is a lovely one, particularly the opening. I do love Celeborn. It’s so sad to see him as just an adar missing his daughter and unable to find comfort in his beloved stars.
But once he mentioned hearing his grandsons’ battle cries I couldn’t stop grinning. I’m really tickled by the idea of Galadriel trying not to laugh and Celeborn does not seem to like being kept in the dark. He did a great job of figuring out what was going on – Celeborn the Wise indeed!! It’s very amusing that he immediately assumes Celebrían is the one who taught Elladan and Elrohir whatever phrases they know and likens his daughter to her mother, while Galadriel claims she’s just like her father. I think what I like most about that, though, is that they can discuss her with such laughter.
The ending is wonderful. Galadriel certainly succeeded in drawing Celeborn out of his melancholy and the teasing between them is always a joy to witness.
So who’s part four?!
Author's reply
Who's part four? That's for tomorrow! And then Saturday will revert to Reflections part 72. (I think I might have to attach those two to this at some point to round the story off properly.)
Poor Celeborn - especially since he wasn't sure if he wanted to sail. I think he had to once Celebrian and Galadriel were across the sea. But not while Arwen lived - or while his grandsons and the land needed him.
It was a good moment for Galadriel to let slip the secret she and Celebrian had kept for so long - a family moment that brought Celebrian closer to them and enabled them to take out memories of love rather than pain. And bicker over who was responsible for Celebrian's naughtier characteristics. (Answer: both, I suspect!)
Celeborn has been in the dark for quite a long time - over 2000 years - but, once he realised there was something hidden, he wasn't going to put up with it any longer. And he is just as good at managing Galadriel as she is at managing him.
I'm glad you liked it - and I'm getting so many ideas thrown at me that the spin-offs could have spin-offs.
Now, I wonder if I can write dwarves?
Anonymous
· 8 September 2005
· Chapter 3: A Light at a Dark Time
A nice little piece with Galadriel and Celeborn... How she finally tells her husband what amuzes her...
Nice work...
Author's reply
She wouldn't have let it slip normally - Galadriel has kept this quiet for about 2000 years - but if ever there was a time when Celeborn needed a little something to make him smile, this is it!
And he knows her far too well not to pick up all the tiny bits of body language that would slip by anyone else. And succeeding in weaseling the truth out of her has made him feel a little better too.
Thank you - I'm glad you liked it.
Rose Sared
· 8 September 2005
· Chapter 3: A Light at a Dark Time
ha! promises promises indeed. This joke has legs, huh? And it took leggy how many hundred years to let the cat out of the bag? Revenge, there is revenge in the air!
Great fun
Rose
Author's reply
This joke could run and run - but only so far. There's one more part here and then it moves back to Reflections 72, which should appear the day after tomorrow.
Let's see . . . I think the family joke has lasted for some 3500 years. Old enough to grow whiskers, even in elven company! Don't you think E2 might be a little too mature for revenge? . . . . . . No! What am I saying? Of course they aren't!
Thank you - glad you are enjoying it.
perelleth
· 7 September 2005
· Chapter 2: Poetic Justice
HA! another productive day and another wonderful, funny reward!
Do you think Celeborn might have something else to add to the subject? (just guessing..:-)
The steady friendhip of these two shines through small details, and that was good to see. Glorfindel's dry sense of fairness was happy to read, too, much as Elrond's musings and their lazy bantering about blackmailing and shameful stories.... great, amusing bunny out of his hole! :-)
Author's reply
Do you know, I just think he might!
I'm glad you're enjoying these - they have been such fun to write.
Glorfindel is very good for Elrond - as Elrond is for him - and they deserved some pleasant time in the sun. I wonder if, once in the Blessed Realm, Elrond tracks down some people from Glorfindel's past - they could have some fun with that once Glorfindel sails.
This whole thing continues to expand!
Jay of Lasgalen
· 7 September 2005
· Chapter 2: Poetic Justice
I really should put more plot bunnies your way, Bodkin! They grow into such delightful stories.
Poor E2. It seems the world and his wife know what the phrases mean - but not them. Did they spend much time with Gimli, I wonder?
I'm beginning to wonder what phrases they taught the dwarves - I love the suggestion about hair like an elf's! Glorfindel was wonderful in this chapter - I loved his posturing and boasting about perfection. Surely there's someone left from Gondolin? My favourite from many wonderful lines:
‘They are fully skilled and formidable warriors,’ Glorfindel pointed out. ‘They keep reminding me that I saw to their training, so it must be so.’
Now, about that original journey with the dwarves ...
Author's reply
Thank you - this whole thing has become rather like bread dough left in a warm place.
I don't think that many know. Knowledge of Khuzdul is not that widespread. E2 just happen to be related to most of the elves who are familiar with the tongue.
Gimli, now! He might well have known, mightn't he. It could even be why he decided to teach Legolas enough of the secret language to know that he was being insulted. But E2 were mere acquaintances - they certainly didn't make it to dwarf-friend - so he probably wouldn't have felt obliged to reveal the secret . . . from which he might have taken considerable entertainment . . . No! I don't need a Gimli plot bunny.
Well - I've managed to come up with one idea for what E2 taught the dwarves! It's in Reflection 72 - which will probably come along on Saturday.
(I think that, in the end, I will add Reflections 71 and 72 as prologue and epilogue to this. To help it make more sense.)
And the original journey with the dwarves? That would be good, too. As would finding someone in the BR who reveals vast quantities of embarrassing stories about Glorfindel. (I think I need to retire, so I can spend all my time on this!)
Larner
· 7 September 2005
· Chapter 2: Poetic Justice
"Oh, great wielder of a hammer as you are, my son!"
"Beloved treasure of my keeping!"
I've got to find the original story and find what they've been actually saying. Am having a delightful time imagining the endearments.
Author's reply
They could be saying almost anything. Although, as they were set up by young dwarves, there might be a bit of a physical element to it! Boys are rather fond of . . . bathroom humour! (Which makes it best left to the imagination, I think.)
This has turned into a much bigger undertaking than I first imagined. With more and more possibilities.
Thank you for commenting.
TithenFeredir
· 7 September 2005
· Chapter 2: Poetic Justice
This was a delightful exchange between Elrond and Glorfindel, and the setting was vividly drawn. I could see the dander floating on the air! Favorite bits:
An airy wave of Glorfindel’s hand dismissed his protest. ‘I was perfect as an elfling,’ he protested. ‘It stood me in good stead for developing even greater perfection as an adult. I am,’ he said with fake modesty, flicking imaginary dust from his tunic with gleaming fingernails, ‘much admired for it.’
I've always imagined Glorfindel to be this imposing, magnificent specimen of an elf. He is terribly funny here in a suave, uber-cool kind of way.
‘It was hard enough to get them to study Quenya,’ Glorfindel remarked. ‘They were convinced that fluent Westron was more than enough for the modern elf.’
Something about the idea of a "modern elf" is hilarious.
‘Language of the kind they think they are using. What they are actually saying,’ he added ruefully, ‘they would not repeat in front of anyone.’
Poor twins! They seem to be the only ones who don't know what they are really saying. I am so looking forward to reading what happens next. ~TF
Author's reply
Uber-cool. That describes Glorfindel very well! I'm glad you like his conversation with Elrond - they make a good team, and Elrond needs the strength and humour of his long-term friend.
I find it quite funny when they quote Plato about how the country's gone to the dogs and kids now aren't what they were when we were young - I expect, at some stage, Methuselah was moaning about how the old folks didn't understand the modern age! (I shouldn't say that things I wrote made me laugh too, should I? It sounds stupid!)
I know. Poor twins. Still - what you don't know can't hurt you. And they have a lot of fun with all those catfight phrases. For a long time.
Thank you - I think two more parts only. Even a running joke can run too far!
Nilmandra
· 7 September 2005
· Chapter 2: Poetic Justice
I love wiley Glorfindel! Of course he knew too...I am glad he was witness to the great event where it happened. I can imagine some dwarves enjoyed listening to their young arrogrant members saying 'I wish my hair was as pretty as an elf's' with great delight too.
I can see this little family gathering, perhaps with no real young 'uns present and Elladan decides to try out the phrase in front of his parents and Glorfindel et al and Celebrian pats his shoulder and says 'You would be a very adorable lap-dog, dear, but it would hardly have been fitting for you to attempt that with the dwarf-king.'
Author's reply
Lovely ideas. 'I wish my hair was as pretty as an elf's!' I can just see some gruff barely-grown dwarfling proud of his new beard uttering that. Although I hope no-one tells him what it means or we could have an inter-species war to equal a Kinslaying!
And then the revelation - that would work so well. I was thinking there would have to be a Reflection to consider the history of this long deception, but the idea of Celebrian mentioning Elladan's suggested activities with the dwarf-king almost compels the story to be told elsewhere. Poor twins - only their maturity and general grown-upness there in Valinor will enable them to deal with the humiliation.
This has already grown to four parts. But maybe a fifth would finish it off nicely!
The Karenator
· 7 September 2005
· Chapter 2: Poetic Justice
Ah, ha! Adar and Glorfindel are just as willing to let the young ones learn a lesson. I'm sure Elrond needed to get out for a nice afternoon, but the amusement value went up considerably when he found out his sons were oblivious. Oh, he and Glorfindel are such fun. Fun wicked! I'm still chuckling.
Karen
Author's reply
Well, Elladan and Elrohir don't get all their mischief from their mother! Elrond and Glorfindel make a good team - and this is a joke that will afford them plenty of entertainment. Over a very long time.
And Elrond needs to spend more time outdoors. Among the trees. And remember he's an elf rather than an office wallah.
This has now grown from two parts to four. It's getting out of hand!
The Karenator
· 7 September 2005
· Chapter 1: Discretion
Every mother's dream...or nightmare. And the little whelps think they're so smart. Celebrian is every mother's hero. She's letting them learn the hard way. It takes a while, but that makes the revelation sting all the more. I got such a kick out of Celebrian and Galadriel silently letting the twins go about their merry way. This was delightful, Bodkin!
Karen
Author's reply
There is nothing quite as much fun as knowing what your children are trying to hide from you - and then pretending ignorance. And the revelation of this particular scam is a very long way away. (Most of the Third Age and over half a millennium into the Fourth.) I doubt the dwarves realised they would get quite so much mileage out of their deception!
Thank you. I'm glad you enjoyed it! (It's grown to four parts now - but I think that'll be it. Even the best jokes wear thin.)
daw the minstrel
· 7 September 2005
· Chapter 2: Poetic Justice
What I liked most about this part were the tiny bits about Elrond -- his dismay at realizing how much of his time he spends indoors, his friendship with Glorfindel, his dry amusement at his sons. You can see a lot of the history of these people's lives together in throw away comments like Glorfindel's about how he trained the twins.
Author's reply
Thank you! I just couldn't help throwing in the bits about Elrond - he doesn't get enough time for fun, poor elf. He's always too busy trying to save the world. It's a good thing he has Glorfindel as support - and they feed off each other - for strength, humour, understanding and so on. (I hope Elrond gets lots of chances for fun in the BR. He deserves it.)
Dot
· 7 September 2005
· Chapter 2: Poetic Justice
Yay! I’m glad you’re easily influenced by reviewers ;-)
I have to get to work so I’ll be brief… Loved this! Actually, I’ll admit that my favourite part was Elrond on his own, taking advantage of the peace and wistfully thinking he should do this more often.
Glorfindel, of course, is marvellous! Teasing Elrond is definitely a worthy pastime. I somehow doubt Glorfindel’s claim of elfling perfection. I really have trouble picturing him as a child. But you know, when Elrond gets to Valinor, I’m sure he’s bound to run into someone who knew Glorfindel as a child. I’m just saying. Of course, I’m still waiting for you to resurrect Oropher…
‘They spent their time with the youngest among the dwarves, while the leaders looked on at least as suspiciously as we did.’ I love that image!! Oh, and can I just point out that if the twins were supposed to have learned Khuzdul, then their tutor can probably be added to the list of people who would understand them should he overhear them. Poor Elladan and Elrohir. I’m starting to think that they’re the only ones who don’t know. It just took a friend like Legolas to tell them.
Hilarious line: ‘They were convinced that fluent Westron was more than enough for the modern elf.’ Modern elf? *choke*
Anyway, I love Elrond and Glorfindel plotting against them. Elrond needs to have some fun in his life… ;-)
I’m delighted you continued this. *sigh* Right, work…
Author's reply
Oh yes, very easily influenced. Especially when the suggestions are just so good. I love Elrond. I hope he has a lot of fun in the Blessed Realm - he deserves it. Although he will miss Glorfindel until Mr Golden Elf decides to turn up - they play off each other very well.
You think perhaps Glorfindel might have been a little difficult as an elfling? I think I've already had the twins longing to meet someone who will reveal all his childish misdemeanours - I might just have to get round to that. And Oropher. Yes. Must focus.
Now, who would have tutored the twins in Khuzdul? It can't have been Elrond - because then they would have learned Khuzdul, like it or not. Maybe it was the difficulty in finding a tutor that got them off the hook. (This has already made it to four parts - I don't think the joke can take more than that!)
I hope Elladan and Elrohir don't realise that everyone knows. They will be mortified. Perhaps Legolas should have joined those who were keeping the secret.
I'm glad you like the modern elf line. And the plotting. Thank you.
pipinheart
· 7 September 2005
· Chapter 1: Discretion
This is very curious, and I am wondering what they have saud... Thier mother and Grandmother know for sure... And the Drarves wasn't telling the truth it seems... a good stoy, I hope it continues...
Author's reply
Well - in Reflection 72, Legolas tells Elladan that one of his favourite dwarven 'curses' consists of him saying that he longs to be a dwarf maiden's lapdog. I imagine they are mostly along those lines. The dwarves were deluding the poor twins - but then the twins were playing the same game, so I suppose you could say they deserved it!
I'm up to Part 4 now - but I think that is as far as the joke can stretch. Thank you - I'm glad you are enjoying it.
Redheredh
· 6 September 2005
· Chapter 1: Discretion
Yes, definitely a wicked streak! Part 2 and 3? Excellent!
But, the arched eyebrow bit was priceless! I can see where their naneth would easily remember them as elflings when they are out of sight and acting like they still are.
H'mm, would Galadriel swear in Quenya instead of Sindarin? Would it take a wicked Celeborn to provoke her to such vindictives? Would he dare to scold her not only for using that sort of language in front of their little daughter or just for using that language? I cannot see him not admonishing his daughter for repeating what she heard especially at such a tender age. 'Course being a gentle-elf himself, he would never provide a disreputable example for Celebrian. Unless he was provoked... during desperate times...
Poor Bodkin, lucky us! ;D
Author's reply
There's a Part 4 now, too. I'm not sure that the joke can run to any more than that, though.
I can just picture Celeborn getting quite wrathful about nursery rhymes and lullabies in Quenya. It's so automatic to revert to your own experience when you are using that sort of baby talk . . . but that's a whole other tale!
And desperate times provide the excuse for all sorts of things! Celebrian's wicked streak is inherited fairly - from both sides of the family.
This has proved to be unexpectedly entertaining. Glad you like it.
perelleth
· 6 September 2005
· Chapter 1: Discretion
:-)
I've been a good and productive girl today, and I thought to reward myself reading some good fanfiction before going home and LO! I almost fall from my chair!
It's so fun seeing an author amusing herself and sharing these funny spin- offs!! The deviousness of mothers, and... maybe fathers? Thanks, bodkin, and keep on! :-)
Author's reply
I just couldn't resist this. And there have been some wonderful suggestions that have actually added another three parts to it. Not to mention I think I will have to insert an extra Reflection to follow on from it. Or possibly an epilogue here. Depends if E2 feel the need to confront those who managed to hold their tongues over such a long period - or just abuse them privately.
I'm glad it amused you.
Galimeril
· 6 September 2005
· Chapter 1: Discretion
Heheheeh! I love it! I laughed my whole way through this. I did something similar to my cousin. I told her that a phrase that meant a donkey knows more than me, and told her that it meant a donkey knows mort than you. You would not belive the foreign exchange student's face. She just cracked up when she told him that! I thought it was pretty funny myself! Imaging: A 10 year old walking up to a junior, and saying a donkey knows more than me-e! A donkey knows more than Me-e! *snicker*
Author's reply
It could be such a cruel thing to do - yet it is absolutely irresistible. I doubt there's a foreign language exchange anywhere that doesn't end up with at least one student left wondering why he/she is getting that response to the polite remark he/she has learnt.
At least no-one will have to worry about Elladan and Elrohir addressing these remarks to the Dwarvenking - they think they're rude enough to keep them for their private use.
But certain people are going to get a lot of fun out of this!
Thank you.
Larner
· 6 September 2005
· Chapter 1: Discretion
Oh, the deviousness of elves, and particularly of elven mothers! What a joke if it is found they have been calling one another "Daddy's little jewel of great worth" or "Mummy's sweet golden boy!"
I, too, could chuckle at that image!
Author's reply
Poor twins. They would be mortified. Perhaps it is just as well they don't find out until they are mature elves who have learned that there are worse things than a bit of embarrassment!
I don't think it has occurred to them either that there might be those who know.
(Oh dear. I think another Reflection has just been born.)
Thank you!
Nilmandra
· 6 September 2005
· Chapter 1: Discretion
See, of course she knew! And she received great enjoyment for many many years over it. And of course Elrond knew. They were both lying in bed one night and heard it from the garden. When Celebrian could no longer suppress a giggle and Elrond his guffaws, they realized they both knew. :>)
Author's reply
Nilmandra! Of course! Such a clear understanding of the family dynamics.
For a passing snippet, this is getting out of control. There's already a part 2 that wrote itself earlier today in response to Jay's comment - and now there's just going to have to be a part 3.
daw the minstrel
· 6 September 2005
· Chapter 1: Discretion
I have to admit that I was jealous of Celebrian in this one. I'd love to have had my son in that situation! Galadriel is right. Celebrian does have a wicked streak. But are we sure it's Celeborn's?
Author's reply
Are you sure you haven't got something on your son? Maybe it's not as good as the Khuzdul 'curses', though.
Well - Celeborn does have a hidden streak of mischief (that he generally saves for Galadriel), but I think there could be just a touch of wicked on the distaff side of the family!
Dot
· 6 September 2005
· Chapter 1: Discretion
Oooh, I love wicked!Celebrían!! And it’s completely hilarious that Galadriel knows as well. There are some lovely moments in this – like Celebrían lamenting the fact that her sons have to take up their duties, and seeing mother and daughter share some time together. You did a fantastic job showing what was happening at the pool without being there. Just brilliant. One of my favourite parts was when Galadriel tells Celebrían how like her father she is. LOL. I’m still grinning away at that.
I think Galadriel could be right that the twins will feel more betrayed by the fact that their mother knew than by being deceived by dwarves. Still, they don’t need to know, do they? It’s a pity Celebrían didn’t get to be there when they finally found out – but maybe she didn’t deserve to for having such fun at their expense!!
This was a very entertaining start to the day, Bodkin :-)
Author's reply
This whole 'Khuzdul curses' story is spinning out of control - between Jay and Nilmandra there are just too many good ideas coming!
Wicked Celebrian is fun - and she and her naneth can have a lot of fun with this. I think they'll be able to keep their understanding from the twins, though. They are both pretty good at keeping secrets. And at looking wide eyed and innocent. (Not that Celeborn will fall for their act, of course. He's a wily old bird. And there comes another possible thread)
I'm glad you liked the pool part - and Celebrian's touch of grown-up-offspring lament.
utfrog98
· 6 September 2005
· Chapter 1: Discretion
Yep, those are mothers talking privately. Both stories are wonderful.
Author's reply
Thank you. I loved doing both of them - getting Celebrian and Galadriel on their own together was most enjoyable.
And this tale seems to be growing!
Jay of Lasgalen
· 6 September 2005
· Chapter 1: Discretion
Celebrían is utterly wicked here ;) Of course she knew! I like that Galadriel is also aware of what the twins are really saying.
I wonder if Elrond knows? He is a master of lore and learning, after all - it would be odd if he hadn't learned a little Khuzdul as well. I can imagine him sharing his own secret amusement with Glorfindel!
What a shame that Celebrían missed Legolas's revelation of what the words really meant, and the twins' reactions - she'll have to read your story. Or perhaps Legolas worked it out, and told her?
Jay
Author's reply
Between you, you and Nilmandra are turning this into a saga!
Elrond and Glorfindel - well, they would know, wouldn't they? Maybe? And then . . .
Part two is already prepared.
Part three is knocking and demanding admittance.