Wonderful! I do hope you continue this. I like seeing the twins become children again and Gilraen truly has no idea what she has gotten herself into. I think this is a great story told in snippets. I am enjoying it immensely!
Author's reply
Elrond will appreciate the part Estel had in returning an anticipation for life to his sons. The twins are adults - definitely - but they are prepared to share the joys of their own childhood with this lonely boy. And their relationship will build, I think, as Estel grows. Gilraen is partly upset here to think that Arathorn is missing out on the delights of raising his son. That and she doesn't much like anything slimy.
I'm glad you're enjoying the story. Fingers crossed that there will be a good few episodes over Christmas. It's one of the good things with really short snippets!
Kitty
· 19 December 2006
· Chapter 2: Discovery
I see the twins took Gilraen's remark about Estel playing in the mud very literally *lol* That was lovely, Bodkin!
They may be much older, but I think they will be good for Estel. And he will be good for them, if caring for their little brother means more playing and not only vengeance on orcs. No wonder Elrond is willing to deal with the one or other invasion of frogs in the Last Homely House in exchange for having his sons back.
Though I wonder if Gilraen loves these playful twins more than the cold, distant ones from the beginning, considering the repercussions ;)
It is a pity Celebrían has left Middle-earth already and Arwen is in Lothlórien. Somehow I believe Gilraen needs a friend as well.
Author's reply
I have a feeling that Estel might be even better for the twins than they will be for him. At least at first! They are currently dredging their memories for activities suitable for small children - and behaving like indulgent uncles, but the relationship will change as Estel grows.
Oh yes - I think Gilraen will be much fonder of the playful twins. And they will all settle into a series of relationships designed to give Estel a loving family.
Gilraen does need a friend. She will be very lonely in Imladris if she doesn't find a female with whom she can talk. (But I've always had the feeling that if Arwen had been in Imladris at this time, she would have ended up Gilraen's friend and Estel's aunt. So it's probably better that she wasn't around. As far as the fate of Middle-earth goes.)
Alison H
· 19 December 2006
· Chapter 2: Discovery
That was such a sweet chapter! I remember collecting frogspawn when I was really little, but what made it memorable for my Mum was that my twin sister and I always did things together! There was a LOT of frogspawn!
The image of little Estel covered in mud with frogspawn in his hair is too adorable.Gilrean may be mad now, but to see Estel so happy must be her goal for him.Elladan & Elrohir will have a lot of tricks up their sleeves in order for Estel to have some fun! Gilrean will come around, I'm sure.
More please!
Ali.
Author's reply
Frogspawn just seems to get everywhere! I don't think Gilraen likes frogspawn much - and she is very glad that the twins will be getting it out of her son's hair - but she is happy to see him having fun. I think she might worry rather about whether the twins are looking after him properly, and be wishing that Arathorn could have been the one taking him on a tadpole hunt, but she doesn't really mind the mud. Mud + small boy is a natural state.
daw the minstrel
· 19 December 2006
· Chapter 2: Discovery
Estel was astonishingly sweet in this. His enthusiasm, his panic at the possible harm to his treasure, his trust in the twins--all of it was wonderful and true to childhood.
Author's reply
Little kids are adorable. All the other factors that weigh on older people mean nothing to them. I suspect, at the moment, the twins are far more uncles than brothers - but they are on the case. Estel will be introduced to the pleasures of childhood. Even tadpoles.
harrowcat
· 19 December 2006
· Chapter 2: Discovery
Oh you have continued this so beautifully Bodkin. Both the pain and the fun is shining through so well.
Author's reply
Thank you! I'm glad you liked it - and I do feel that you need both sides of the coin. Pain and fun are both important.
Nilmandra
· 19 December 2006
· Chapter 1: Brotherhood
It is always nice to see the elves through the eyes of a human (and vice versa) - to show their differences. The twins are both young and old, depending on whose standard is used. I am sure Elrond would like anything that brings them home from hunting orcs.
It is interesting to me to think of the twins' interest in Estel as a conscious act, requested by Gilraen. That is a unique twist.
Author's reply
I don't think the twins were quite as obsessed by orc-slaying by this point - but they certainly haven't recovered the lightness of heart that they had before Celebrian was wounded. Somehow, I can see them rediscovering the brightness of the world through the eyes of young Estel and becoming more playful - which would have been a great relief for Elrond.
Really, as an elf, it doesn't matter how old you are - you are always young to someone. Even Galadriel ends up going home to parents and grandparents. The twins are young - ish - but they are certainly legendary enough to be awe-inspiring to Gilraen.
Aragorn seems so alone when I think of him in Imladris - (Gilraen seems even more alone in a way, but she was, I suppose, old enough to have agreed with the necessity) - and, without the friendship of the twins, he could have grown up into a very one-sided person. Even as it is, I sometimes think he was probably (inside his head) more elf than man ... The twins would probably have needed a little nudge - at this time, anyway - to make them realise that the child needed something more. They will be good for him. And he will help them to see the world as something beautiful and exciting again.
utfrog98
· 19 December 2006
· Chapter 1: Brotherhood
Wonderful story to begin my day. Much as I enjoy your Valinor series, this idea has much promise.
Thank you for all your work. It is deeply appreciated.
Author's reply
Thank you. I'm glad you like it! I like the musings of E2L in the Blessed Realm - but this suddenly decided to turn into a series instead of being a single story, and, like you, I thought it had promise!
Redheredh
· 18 December 2006
· Chapter 1: Brotherhood
I hope this does become a new series and we get more of Gilraen. And more of Estel's new big brothers. :D
Author's reply
It will! It's already started attacking me - the second one is ready to roll. I just hope inspiration continues.
Thank you for your words on Finrod - I'm considering what to do there. He seems to be of the opinion that there's no rush to put fingers to keyboard. (I'm not planning to stop or anything - it's just proceeding slowly.)
Radbooks
· 18 December 2006
· Chapter 1: Brotherhood
Oh, very well done! I could just feel the pain-filled aching heart of a mother for her young son. Elrohir's compassion for both Gilraen and Estel shone through very clearly. But that last line, about Elrond being eternally grateful about broke my heart. It actually took me a second to understand what he meant and then when it did, it was just... very moving. Of course Elrond would love to see his sons home and being an older brother to Estel instead of out chasing orcs. I do hope to see more of these!
Author's reply
Thank you, Radbooks. I think the twins are past the worst of their orc-slaying phase - but they lost a lot of the joy in their lives when their mother was injured. Seeing the world afresh as they challenge and play with and indulge a child will be so good for them. Elrond will savour this time for more than one reason.
There will be more! The second one is already done.
Armariel
· 18 December 2006
· Chapter 1: Brotherhood
Oh, delicious....those twins...AND Aragorn--er, Estel! I can just see the three of them together...and the "brothers" teaching him how to be a kid.....this is gonna be really interesting......heheh..........
~~~{~@
Author's reply
I think the twins will be surprised how much they enjoy seeing the world through the eyes of a child. And they did a pretty good job in making sure that Aragorn grew up with a well-rounded personality!
I can see Elrond and Gilraen becoming quite a parental team, too. Which has its amusing side, considering the differences between them.
harrowcat
· 18 December 2006
· Chapter 1: Brotherhood
Oh this is so touching Bodkin. Powerful and brilliant. Loved the last line on so many levels.
Author's reply
Thank you! Elrond will be so pleased to see youth and playfulness return to his sons - even at the cost of having them acting like adolescents! (Although I feel that they will be able to resume maturity at will - the playing will come naturally, but it won't replace their adult personalities.)
Jay of Lasgalen
· 18 December 2006
· Chapter 1: Brotherhood
As always, I love how you portray the twins - or in this case, Elrohir. I particularly like the contrast of them as cold eyed, remote or angry (not a sight I'd want to see either) with Elrohir's sudden boyish mischief and memories of his own youth.
I think a series of ficlets with the twins as big brothers to Estel will be delightful!
Jay
Author's reply
I feel they were probably past the worst of their vengeful elven warrior phase by the time Gilraen met them - but they would have been on patrol and doubtless seemed very single-minded and alien to a young girl. She is about to learn a completely different side to their personalities! One that will have a woman of less than 30 treating these warriors of around 3000 as exasperating teenagers!
The second one is already done.
Larner
· 18 December 2006
· Chapter 1: Brotherhood
To see some--humanity--return for his sons would be, I'm certain, a blessing in the eyes of Elrond. Too long have they thought only to avenge their mother, and borne the hatred for the creatures of the dark her torture and removal left in them. Now, to relearn humor and silliness and innocence once more--as much a gift to them as it will be for her son.
Author's reply
To my mind, the twins are long past the worst by the time Aragorn is born - but they have not really had joy return to their lives. Estel, I think, provides that. Reminds them that there is a world beyond the fight against the dark and that it is important to take pleasure in the good things.
I suspect their decision to be 'brothers' to the young Dunadan will be to everyone's delight. Even if it proves to be rather wearing at times!
Envinyatar
· 18 December 2006
· Chapter 1: Brotherhood
Excellent start - and the promise of more to come! I am looking forward to this very much. I particularly liked your suggestion of how the twins might move from the vengeful warriors of Tolkien to the mischief-makers of fanon.
Author's reply
I tend to think the twins are adventurous and ingenious - and that they were ... probably ... very tiring to be around as they grew up. Now? I doubt they are deliberate mischief-makers - but Elrohir has decided that they are the closest Estel will have to friends and brothers, so they might well indulge themselves a little. Possibly with the collusion of the adults around them. But I think that they can put off the playfulness and be the adult warriors they are when it is necessary.
selene
· 18 December 2006
· Chapter 1: Brotherhood
**grin** Oh I think Elrond will be grateful. Until the pranks start flying that is. And poor Gilrean does not know what she is getting in to but she will learn fast. **snicker**
Author's reply
Elrond will be glad, I think, to see the more joyful side of his sons re-emerge. Even if it does lead to trouble here and there! I'm not a great 'prank' fan - but I have no doubt that the twins spent their growing years in trouble. They are far too adventurous, inquisitive and ingenious not to try anything at least once! And I wonder how long it will take Gilraen to start treating them as if they're about fifteen!
SurgicalSteel
· 18 December 2006
· Chapter 1: Brotherhood
Oh, a promising start. I hope there's more to this!
Author's reply
Thank you - I'm glad you feel like that ... because the next part has already presented itself to me!
daw the minstrel
· 18 December 2006
· Chapter 1: Brotherhood
Now that's both touching and scary. I liked Gilraen's sense of the twins as remote and ancient. That's a view of them we don't often see. But she's becoming an insider at Imladris now, and up close, they're going to look a whole lot different.
Author's reply
The twins are, I think, mostly over the cold-blooded killing spree that followed their mother's wounding - but they are almost as old as the Third Age, while Gilraen isn't even thirty. To her, they must be legends.
You're right - she is going to get a whole different view of the whole collection of Imladris elves. I can see her going into partnership with Elrond the adar - in a way that she will never be able to explain to the Dunedain to whom he is as old as time and as powerful as ... summer.
meckinock
· 18 December 2006
· Chapter 1: Brotherhood
Oh, Bodkin, this is so sweet. I felt so sorry for Gilraen as her heart ached for this son of hers doomed to always be alone and different. But then I smiled at the offer of two ancient, deadly, and yet very willing playmates. A lovely way to start a Monday.
Author's reply
I'm glad you like the start of it! I feel as sorry for Gilraen as I do for Aragorn really. She must be so lonely - and there's no-one around to be her friend. Not now, anyway. But Aragorn must play - and learn to be human - and, really, the twins are the only people who know of his presence who can offer him an aspect of care that is at least as important as his education.
Kitty
· 18 December 2006
· Chapter 1: Brotherhood
Ah, Bodkin, that is a wonderful idea! You're right, this could - no, should - grow into another series. Gilraen is right, her son needs someone to play with, to get into mischief and to evade the consequences, and I can't imagine anyone better able to do this than the Elrondionath. They have quite a reputation for it after all.
Elrohir is right, of course - it may be Gilraen will regret it, but it is for Estel's sake, and he will have a much happier childhood than if he is mostly alone. And Elrohir was very nice and understanding.
Author's reply
Thank you! I'm glad you like the idea. Poor Estel needs children - and the twins are the best offer he's going to get! By the time he's adolescent, all Imladris will be in dread of them - although I don't really go with the pranks. Maybe - a bit - when they were little, but I tend to think that most of their adventures came through high spirits and endless ingenuity.
It's a shame there's not someone around to be a playmate for Gilraen, too - I tend to think she must have been quite lonely in Imladris. Maybe the adoption of a pair of rather long-lived 'sons' will help her, too.
perelleth
· 18 December 2006
· Chapter 1: Brotherhood
Good for the end of term! So you have more spare time and inspiration!
Another series would be a lovely idea. I bet Aagorn's childhood gave room for more than one book of anecdotes. are you setting rules in this as well?
Are you really sure you want your son to learn what it has taken us years to perfect?’ I can see how Gilraen may come to rue it. All posibilities and variations tested to the point of perfection...and available to her son... ;-) A daunting prospect indeed. Delightful start, Bodkin!
Author's reply
Six cheers for the end of term!
The second one has already presented itself - so there will be at least two of them. The biggest problem might be keeping my train of through chronological - but this could certainly be entertaining. The length rule will apply - but I don't know about others. I thought about not having Aragorn speak - but that's gone by the board. And I might keep it to the six already named - although might not Glorfindel's occasional appearance be rather too tempting?
Poor Aragorn had no equals in Imladris - no boys, no Men. It's quite remarkable that he grew up to be as well-balanced as he was!
Gilraen will take a while, I think, to see E2 as exasperating youths rather than elven warriors - but I'm sure they'll win her over.