erunyauve
· 25 June 2007
· Chapter 2: The Mouths of Babes
>>Better she tell him than someone who might use the information for something other than good.
::snerk:: Lovely to see Beliond again - I miss him when he's away. And Loriel is definitely Thranduil's revenge on Eilian. I can only imagine her Ada's trials when she grows to be a maiden and discovers ellyn!
Author's reply
I miss Beliond too! He's so much fun to write.
I think Loriel's adventures in romance will be quite entertaining, for some of us anyway.
The Karenator
· 24 June 2007
· Chapter 2: The Mouths of Babes
What a delightful story! Loriel is the epitome of the parent's curse: May you have a child just like you. I don't know what poor Celuwen did to deserve Eilian and Loriel, but they are both entertaining.
I loved your description of Loriel with springy hair and dancing feet. I especially enjoyed her swinging from Beliond's arm. I remember those days. I felt like a Jungle Gym.
And Beliond. He was certainly a fish out of water. He had a son, right? Not only has it been a long time since he raised a child, but he no 'pink' experience either. He handled it well. "Move it." Made me laugh.
My favorite lines were the very last ones: "Oh yes." Beliond allowed himself to smile. "And now, I think I would like to speak to the king. We have matters to discuss." Oh, to be a fly on the wall. The king cheats at chess. Who knew?
This was such an enjoyable read, Daw. And funny. As always, you did a terrific job.
Author's reply
Thank you, Karen.
As Loriel would tell you, Thranduil didn't really "cheat." That would be wrong! He was riling up his youngest son for the amusement of his oldest. LOL. She also says that pink is her favorite color. If she could get My Little Ponies, she'd probably like them too. Whey do kids have such bad taste?
perelleth
· 24 June 2007
· Chapter 2: The Mouths of Babes
Here I am at last!
What a sweet tale, Beliond and Eilian´s daughter! It is so full of little details! I can so picture Beliond taking Loriel so seriously and then learning more than what he expected...
Yet I loved the thought of Ithilden laughing until he fell down, and Emmelin´s mother finding comfort in taking care of Loriel. Healing takes time, but it may come to happen. Hopeful and sweet and sooo Belindish! :-)
Author's reply
Perelleth, are you ever going to get internet? I suppose I might get a lot done if I didn't have it, but I'd be lonely.
This was fun to write, but then Beliond always is. Of course, as you know from your own experience, sometimes he's better at a distance. :-)
Redheredh
· 24 June 2007
· Chapter 2: The Mouths of Babes
LOL! I could just see all of this happening before my eyes! With a very young Shirley Temple *perfectly* cast as little Loriel - right down to the giggle. ;D Some parents do indeed get what they deserve! Always enjoy Beliond, too!
Happy Birthday to Nilmandra!
Author's reply
Thanks, Redheredh. Shirley Temple is a cool idea in terms of manner, though I picture Loriel as dark haired and gray eyed, like her parents. I find it very helpful sometimes to be able to picture my characters like that.
Yeah, Eilian probably has what he deserves, though I'm not sure he knows it yet. LOL
Dot
· 24 June 2007
· Chapter 2: The Mouths of Babes
Fantastic! Loriel and Beliond are a hoot together.
I was grinning right from the start when he thinks about Legolas. No-one else could put so much affection into the terms “fool” and “idiot.” I can imagine the scene when he went to Ithilden. And LOL at him planning on being tactful in advance before going to Thranduil!! Hilarious. Like that’d last longer than two minutes.
Loriel is adorable. Eilian all over again. She doesn’t seem a bit afraid of Beliond anyway. Even when he orders her to “move it” like he would Legolas.
"I found Uncle Legolas's Nana." ROTFL!!! Poor Beliond. And then Nimloth is reluctant to let Loriel off with him. *snort* All Loriel needs is someone with a tight grip. Though I love her dancing along and swinging from his arm. She’s such a bundle of energy and seems to be entirely unfazed by Beliond’s attempts to make her act with a bit of respectful decorum. Oh, but what a mine of information she is. Beliond the Spy could make good use of that.
I really like the glimpses of what’s happening in the background – Legolas pushing himself, Eilian clinging to his own child and going south again, Ithilden’s sorrow, everyone’s attempts to pick themselves up again. These are dark times, which makes moments of laughter even more special.
Chest! I swear, you write kids like you’ve spent your whole life around them. I love Beliond trying to follow what she’s talking about and then realising to his delight that she’s spilling all sorts of secrets.
She was dark-haired, round-cheeked, wearing a pink gown, and came up just past Beliond's waist, and she was Thranduil to the life. Ow, ow. Hilarious. As is her impression of Legolas. I bet she makes them all laugh when they need it. I’m sitting here grinning at poor Ithilden. Ouch. But I LOVE that Thranduil would try to make him laugh like that. Even though Ithilden would be mortified. Oh well, I’m sure Alfirin will tend him :-)
I really liked the scene at the end. I was thinking myself that someone would want to train Loriel as Thranduil’s sons were trained, even if it’s probably a harder job than being on the king’s council. And Beliond is a good old soul – it’s fun to hear about the goings-on behind closed doors but he doesn’t need that to know what they’re really like. Personally, I’d be more than happy to listen to her give away their light-hearted and embarrassing moments ;-)
This was great fun, daw.
Author's reply
I wanted a more light-hearted story than I'd been writing lately. Everyone I know seems to need to laugh more just now. And writing from Beliond's POV nearly always makes me laugh.
Loriel now lives with at least two intimidating males, Thranduil and Ithilden (not to mention her Grandfather Solith), and I suspect she's learned they're soft touches for her. She probably sees Beliond as just one more in the same category, especially since he's such a nana. :-)
And she turned out to be a good mimic. Who knew?
Glad you liked it, Dot.
yanic
· 23 June 2007
· Chapter 2: The Mouths of Babes
I LOVE Beliond. He's such a fun perspective to read, and I imagine the same is true for writing... and I liked seeing more of Loriel, she's going to be a handful for her poor father, especially when the young males start coming around. Thanks for the treat
Author's reply
Beliond is indeed fun to write. Being in his point of view seems to free me to think and say things I ordinarily wouldn't. He's just outrageous.
"Poor father"? Beliond says she serves Eilian right!
Elena Tiriel
· 23 June 2007
· Chapter 2: The Mouths of Babes
Bwahahahahahahaha!
But, surely Beliond would never use such personal information against Thranduil?
This is absolutely delightful, Daw! Thank you for giving us a fix of Beliond -- ever concerned for his charge, Legolas, even to the point of infuriating him at times -- and Flower Face, who is so clearly Eilian's child that it's almost like a glimpse of The Resourceful Wood-elf Warrior himself. ;-D
It's always such a treat when you post a new chapter, Daw. I'm very supportive of your personal fiction writing -- but please be sure to throw us Tolkien-lovers a morsel whenever you can!
And thank you so much for this treat!
- Barbara
Author's reply
Glad you enjoyed it, Barbara! LOL. Beliond makes me laugh too and I'm the one writing about him. And Flower Face is a hoot. I expect she keeps them all on their toes, but she also makes them smile, which they need.
meckinock
· 23 June 2007
· Chapter 2: The Mouths of Babes
Oh, our Beliond is the very picture of tact, yes indeed LOL. And it seems that he hasn't been Legolas's nana so long that he can't temporarily backslide to his old profession when faced with the tantalizing prospect of accepting some willingly volunteered (and exceedingly useful) information from an eager young informant. I loved how he would have known from Loriel's eyes just whose daughter she was, and how gleeful he was at the thought that Eilian was getting exactly the daughter he deserved. I loved his conversation with Loriel, and his chagrin at the presumption that he couldn't handle a maiden whose head only came to the top of his belt. And I loved her confessions about her grandfather and uncle even more - a windfall of useful gossip that is surely making Beliond's mouth water. It was especially kind of him to give Celuwen a gentle suggestion - it must have hurt to cut off a promising source of ammunition like that! A very enjoyable interlude, and Happy Birthday to Nilmandra as well.
Author's reply
He does seem to be taking on that spy manner, doesn't he?
Once in a while I think about a story in which Legolas and Maltanaur are both out of commission, and Beliond has to guard Eilian for a while. I don't know which one would be more horrified.
In the meantime, Eilian's daughter is chatting her curly head off. After all where she's lived, the most exciting information is probably that someone had a spat with their spouse and in a village, the chances are everyone already knows that anyway. Celuwen has her work cut out for her if she expects to make Flower Face discreet.
Gwynhyffar
· 23 June 2007
· Chapter 2: The Mouths of Babes
I love Loriel! Her telling stories on Thranduil is hilarious-particularly given that she is telling them to Beliond, who is close enough to the king to be able to use that ammo. I can just see Beliond meeting with Thranduil with a big s***-eating grin on his face when he brings up the *ahem* matter of cheating at 'chest.' Really! How appalling and shocking that Thranduil ends up being a cheater! *snerk* I love it. Great story, Daw!
Happy Birthday Nilmandra!
Author's reply
Thanks, Gwyn. Thranduil would like you to know that he didn't cheat. He was just riling Legolas up to amuse the family. LOL. Not that Beliond will let that make any difference. I wonder if he'll tell Thranduil how he knows? Maybe he wants to keep that line of information open. After all, he used to be a spy.
Bodkin
· 23 June 2007
· Chapter 2: The Mouths of Babes
Beliond ... 'as tactful as the next elf'. Wonderful thought. He is just such a delightful and refreshing character. And tactful. Of course.
I'm delighted he recognises Loriel's inability to keep matters to herself. Maybe he does have the makings of a diplomat, after all. Her story is wonderful on so many levels. A delightful glimpse of the private lives of the family Oropherion.
And Loriel really is fate's revenge on Eilian. I would love to see him dealing with his heedless daughter. Almost as much as Thranduil would. (And the King needs a good laugh in these dark days.)
Hearing Loriel call Beliond 'Uncle Legolas's Nana' might be a good start. (Good thing she's young enough to get away with that.)
(H'mm. Now wouldn't a perfect match be Beliond's returned son and Loriel. That has tremendous potential ...)
I can just see Celuwen stiffening at any criticism of Loriel - but Beliond is right. Oh yes. Loriel is just what they all need.
Author's reply
Beliond is fun to write. He's so outrageous and so sure he's right. He doesn't hesitate to take advantage of whatever Loriel wants to tell him.
Actually, it occurred to me that this story could produce multiple chapters showing her gradually growing up.
Beliond's son? Oh my. At large family gatherings, Eilian would have not only Celuwen's father but Beliond as a relative? That should be entertaining. LOL.
Naledi
· 22 June 2007
· Chapter 2: The Mouths of Babes
What a lovely chapter! You've captured the innocent chatter of a little child so well. And when contrasted with the darkness that's pressing in on Mirkwood and the tragedy of Sinnarn, it makes it rather poignant.
And I had to laugh at 'Uncle Legolas's nana!'
I do hope you'll write more soon. Maybe even include 'Uncle Legolas' himself?
Author's reply
Thanks, Naledi. I like writing kids. It's hard to do well because there's a temptation to sentimentalize them, but when it comes out right, it's a lot of fun.
I haven't been writing about adult Legolas lately. Little kid Legolas yes, but not the adult. I'll have to think about it.
sofia
· 22 June 2007
· Chapter 2: The Mouths of Babes
Oh that was so cute! I really enjoyed it. Add Loriel and Beliond together and your bound to get something humorous.
Author's reply
Thanks, Sofia. Beliond is always fun to write because no one else thinks quite like he does.
pipinheart
· 22 June 2007
· Chapter 2: The Mouths of Babes
This is adorable...
I loved how beliond refers to Legolas's as an idiot for working too hard.
Loriel is her Ada's child you can see him in her clearly, she is going to be a real handful. And seeing her call beliond Legolas's nana is cute, that nickname sure did stick. Its nice to see Beliond with her, a change for him...
It's a good thing Thranduil knows how to cheer Ithilden up after such a great loss,loved this..
Update soon...
Author's reply
Beliond tends to think of most people as idiots. From him, that's a term of affection. :-) But he sees the same thing you do: Loriel is a lot like her ada. The thought makes him shudder.
Thanks for the kind words, Pipinheart.
terryb
· 21 June 2007
· Chapter 2: The Mouths of Babes
Beliond! Loriel is sweet. She's a great contrast to Beliond, aka Legolas's nana.
This is fun and how nice to have an occassional chapter from you to enjoy this summer.
Author's reply
Loriel is too young to even realize Beliond is a crank. Except he won't take her to see the puppies, of course. Glad you enjoyed, Terryb.
Rede
· 21 June 2007
· Chapter 2: The Mouths of Babes
I don't often leave reviews to your stories, though I should. I've been reading your work for years now, and have seemed to grow an intolerance for all other House of Oropher stories. Really, I can't read aanything anymore that has to do with Legolas, Thranduil, or their relationships/families because your stories have become canon for me. When I think of Lord of the Rings and think of Legolas I also think, "and his two brothers, and Beliond, and Thranduil who almost had an affair with that one woman, but oh what a GREAT ending!...oh and Sinnarn, the poor lad!"
So whenever I am in need of a great story I always turn back to yours. They are incredible.
Really, I admire your work to NO END and I think one of my saddest days will be when you stop gracing us with your literary presence. So thank you.
By the way: Beliond is one of my favorites. He reminds me of Wolverine. And picturing him half-walking, half-carrying a blur of pink to the palace has brightened my days! Not to mention the scene with Thranduil and his boys. What a riot!
You're a genius.
Author's reply
Holy moly, Rede. I'm fumbling around for something adequate to say to thank you for this. It's very rewarding. I've been trying to write original fiction lately, but I love these characters and can't seem to leave them alone. So thank you for your very kind words in general, and also for the nice things about Beliond. He's a lot of fun to write because he has such a distinctive voice.
Bless you for making me feel good here.
White Wolf
· 21 June 2007
· Chapter 2: The Mouths of Babes
The title of this chapter couldn't be any more perfect. Seeing "Uncle Legolas's Nana" with Loriel was pure gold. My mother used to tell me that she hoped one day I had a child just like me. I think Eilian may have one that is probably too much like him for comfort. But she is delightful. That whole exchange at the end between Celuwen and Beliond was wonderful. Very sage advice.
Author's reply
So what did you do that your mother cursed you like that? LOL.
I picture Loriel combining Eilian's daring with Celuwen's stubborness. She's going to be a handful and Celuwen bettter get a firm grip now because I suspect Ada is putty in Flower Face's hands.
Jay of Lasgalen
· 21 June 2007
· Chapter 2: The Mouths of Babes
'Uncle Legolas's Nana'? **Snort** How I wish I could have seen his face then! Beliond and Loriel is an interesting combination, and she is every inch Eilian's daughter! The image of her imitating Thranduil so well is just wonderful, but I can't believe he cheated at chess - even if it did have the unintentional benefit of making Ithilden laugh.
Happy birthday, Nilmandra!
Author's reply
I figure making Ithilden laugh was the intended effect. Thranduil was teasing Legolas in a way he knew would be provoking. Otherwise, I can't picture it either!
Loriel is, as Beliond thinks, likely to be a keg and a half of trouble. I hope Celuwen has a firm hand because I suspect Ada is a sucker.
lyncarol333
· 21 June 2007
· Chapter 2: The Mouths of Babes
"I found Uncle Legolas's Nana."
Now all i need to do is remeber to breathe so i don't die laughing.
Thank you for this delightful chapter.
Lyn
Author's reply
LOL. Glad you liked it, Lyn. Uncle Legolas's Nana just gathered a whole bunch of ammunition, to be used only for good, of course. :-)
tnt2b2
· 21 June 2007
· Chapter 2: The Mouths of Babes
As a director and teacher of a preschool, I see Loriel in so many of my little ones. You have captured the age and innocence perfectly, not to mention their endless energy. I have heard so many stories from children that make their parents blush, but tickle me. Delightful chapter. I cannot wait for another story from Daw!
Author's reply
Oh I'm so glad you said that about how Loriel is true to what you see in your students. It's been a long time since my son was that age and it's easy to sentimentalize it when writing. Thanks for the review, tnt2b2.
nessie
· 21 June 2007
· Chapter 2: The Mouths of Babes
Well, it's a good thing Nilmandra has a birthday (not that people...don't...have birthdays...) Happy Birthday to Nilmandra!
I have to say that this is probably one of my favorite chapters from you. I'm totally in love with Beliond, and of course he would be the kind to exploit a child's innocence (and habit of running her mouth off) to gain any kind of important material that would be useful later on.
I also loved how natural Beliond was with Loriel. You can tell he definitely has had experience with children before. Very touching, in my opinion.
"Uncle Legolas' nana" That killed me. I love it.
Definitely loved the part where she's telling the chess story (I used to pronounce it 'chest' too! XD ) I'm glad to see that Ithilden is still able to laugh, even after the tragedy that poor family suffered. Ada (Thranduil, in this case) knows best. He's very sneaky, that one.
Anyways, again, I really loved this. Loriel is a fun character to see interact with others. Eilian is definitely going to have a handful when she starts courting. I always thought Amdir/Loriel would be fun...I can just hear Eilian's agonized screams at the very idea. That would give him a taste of what Solith had to go through (Celuwen's father IS called Solith right? I can't remember at the moment).
I'm always thrilled to see an update from you, and would love to see more in the (preferably near) future!
~nessie~
Author's reply
Thank you so much, Nessie. Beliond's care for children is touching to me too, even or maybe especially when he hides it behind a gruff exterior.
I feel bad for Ithilden and Alfirin. I can't even imagine the black hole of misery they're in right now. The chance to laugh would be a precious gift.
Solith is indeed Celuwen's father. I think you've suggested Amdir for Flower Face before. It made me laugh then and it makes me laugh now. LOL.
I'm going to a novel writing workshop from July 8-21, so I'll be away in the middle of July but there are at least two birthdays in August. :-)
French Pony
· 21 June 2007
· Chapter 2: The Mouths of Babes
Ha! Loose lips on Flower Face, and the perfect person to tell all her secrets to. Someone might indeed use that information for his own gain, yes he would. Particularly someone who sees tact as a tool rather than a way of life. Beliond is an Elf after my own heart, indeed.
I also love the images of Elves doing pratfalls. First Nimloth, then Ithilden. Funny how the most dignified ones turn out to be the klutzes.
Someone really should teach Loriel to play "chest." She'd be beating the pants off them in no time flat. She seems to have that kind of mind. Either that or poker, though probably Beliond would be the better poker player.
And the picture of ol' Flower Face with her curly hair coming out of her braids is wonderful. I have that kind of hair, and I wear it braided, and I know exactly what she looks like. Curly hair does not come out of braids in quite the same places that straight hair does, believe you me.
Is Nilmandra's birthday today, or are you being impatient?
Author's reply
Me, impatient? LOL. Her birthday is tomorrow. I think of myself as an early birthday warning system. :-)
Flower Face turned out to be a good mimic, which made me laugh. And she's as innocent as a rose. She can't imagine holding her tongue and I suspect she'll have a hard time with that no matter what Celuwen tries to do.
I have stick straight hair, so the curliness effect is drawn from my imagination fired by observation. Loriel seemed to me to be someone whose whole body would be lively, including her hair. Nothing sedate and tame for her, nosiree. The Valar help them all.
lwarren
· 21 June 2007
· Chapter 2: The Mouths of Babes
ROTFL! What a precocious, precious imp! I'll bet she has the entire stronghold jumping (for one reason or another *snickers*)! And Legolas' Nana! I have always liked Beliond and must now petition Nilmandra to join that fan club of hers! He has found an accomplice, yes, he has...and is relishing every moment of it! No indeed - we wouldn't want Loriel telling information to someone who might try to use it for his own gain, would we?
This is just a delightful story, daw. You have captured Loriel (and her actions/activities for that age) perfectly...I particularly loved the way she was swinging on Beliond's arm and skipping/dancing around on the way back to the palace. And of course, his reactions to it - methinks he has had a lot of practice dealing with a rambunctious youngster in his past, judging from the way he handles this little sprite. And Celuwen does have her work cut out for her - tho' I doubt she will ever really be able to suppress Loriel's effervescent nature...maybe just tame it somewhat!
It was so good to see this family again - and recovering somewhat after Sinnarn *sniffs*. Ithilden's injury *grimaces in sympathy* and his cover-up was hilarious - but not as hilarious as Thranduil and Legolas and their little game of 'chest'! "...'and he stomped out like this.' She tugged her hand free and tromped along the path, hands clenched, head down." *wipes tears away and tries not to choke on laughter* Beliond has seen and caused that temper in the younger Thranduilion before. *snorts* Oh my! I've got to go and read this again, daw - it's great (and I love these little added chapters you've been doing lately...hope to see more!) Happy birthday, Nilmandra! (Now don't you think she deserves TWO presents, daw??? Hmmmmm????? :-) )
Linda
(question: Did you or someone write a story about Beliond finally being reunited with his son in Valinor? I 'think' I remember such a thing, but haven't been able to recall title or author. :-/ )
Author's reply
LOL. Nilmanda does deserve two presents, but sadly everyone I know has birthdays in the summer so I have to pace myself!
You're making me laugh about Beliond having an accomplice. I can imagine him coaxing information out of her if he feels justified--and he always feels justified.
Actually, I'm the one who wrote the story about Beliond's son. I think it's called "A Father and Son Camping Trip." Bodkin wrote one from the POV of Emmelin (Sinnarn's wife) in which Thranduil's family is reunited in the West. It's gorgeous and made me feel much better about Sinnarn.
Alison H
· 21 June 2007
· Chapter 2: The Mouths of Babes
Ha, that was so sweet, Daw! Loriel is a real spitfire, isn't she? I loved her interaction with Beliond and he did quite well with her,I thought.I laughed out loud at Loriel's description of him-- "Uncle Legolas' Nana".That was just too adorable! I think Beliond may keep that little bit of information to himself, though he has so much ammunition on everyone else! I'd love to be a fly on the wall when Beliond has a chat with Thranduil.
Great work, Daw.I love these little additons to your stories.More please?
Take care.
Ali.
Author's reply
Thanks, Ali. Loriel could be a source of much fun, I think. I try to imagine a young elf courting her. Eilian would recognize the wrong kind of guy a mile off since he used to be one. And I don't imagine Loriel would be any easier than her naneth was to dissuade from the one she sets her heart on.
But yeah, in the meantime, Beliond has ammunition to spare. LOL.
Nilmandra
· 21 June 2007
· Chapter 2: The Mouths of Babes
Oh, I loved this! May I see its the best one so far, LOL? Beliond exploiting a child's confidence - of course he would! He can go bribe Thranduil and have the pressure eased on Legolas. Loriel was great - kids hear much, and she is not trained yet to keep her mouth shut. Celuwen is funny - she does have some work to do.
Thank you, this was wonderful and it certainly did make me smile today.
Author's reply
I'm so glad you liked it. I actually wrote a darker piece first and then thought I need a laugh and probably you do too! Loriel amuses me. I can imagine her making all kinds of trouble in the future.
obsidianj
· 13 December 2006
· Chapter 1: Home for Now
Oh, I love hearing more from Eilian. That is quite a different situation for him, having to go off and leave a wife and child behind. Maybe he is growing up, finally. I love his musings about being head of the house and how this somehow doesn't seem to apply to him, although it fit, from his pov, his father and elder brother perfectly. I think Celuwen is a perfect match for him.
Author's reply
This story wrote itself quickly, in a little more than 24 hours as a matter of fact. I guess I must know these characters by now.
In writing it, I thought about Eilian's relationship with Celuwen in contrast to Ithilden's with Alfirin. Eilian and Celuwen were children together and have probably scrapped and told one another off lots of times. Neither is at all intimidated by the other, and they have a very equal relationship that's structured by their personalities rather than societal role expectations, such as that the man is the head of the house. On the other hand, Ithilden is centuries older than Alfirin and she's a traditionalist. I think she'd give in to him most of the time, until they hit something that was a matter of principle for her or maybe something to do with Sinnarn.
Anyway, I'm glad you liked it.