Ces · 5 February 2008 · Chapter 1: Escape
What a great story! I can imagine Mithrandir must irritate men and elves to a high degree sometimes! Good rapport between the man and elf. I do think they could have been friends. Ces
Escape by Bodkin
Reviews (28)
meckinock · 3 January 2008 · Chapter 1: Escape
Bodkin, I didn't get involved in the MEFAs this year but I just saw the MEFA results and I was happy to see so many of your stories recognized; especially this one - it's one of my favorites. I just love that bug-hating Ranger up in the tree :-)
daw the minstrel · 3 September 2007 · Chapter 1: Escape
Can I say I just reread this story and still love it?
Author's reply
Thank you, daw. I am so behind on replying to reviews. I'm being totally useless at the moment.
ziggy · 12 August 2007 · Chapter 1: Escape
Great stuff- hope you pick this up and see how much pleasure you have given. Why havent I read this before!!!! I am hopeless. I so enjoyed the detialed and beautifully controlled writing- you do dialogue really well as well as desriptions. The shared irritation they have of Mithrandir is wonderful - builds a real bond, And he is irritating isnt he! I love the comment about the daughter would rather have her father return- shows another shared expereince that the Ranger appreciates- yes, he prefers the woodelves more earthy understanding of the world than all that floaty Imladris stuff.I get the feeling he really relates well to the elf captain (reminds me of Daw's Eilian - and I know you will see that is a compliment - and a reference to Ithilden - although he isnt quite Eilian and is comfortably unidentified- it works.) You get the feel that these elves are a real patrol in a real war- the guardian watching is such a light touch but so effective. I know it wouldn't work as well but the sense that there could have been a Beautiful Friendship there is strongly evident and all the more poignant becasue it doesnt happen.
Author's reply
This was tremendous fun to write - sometimes, I find, the relationships just work and the conversation flows. I think these two could have been good friends - they understand the pressures they are under and have a common enemy. And a shared irritation in the mystical Mithrandir! But I doubt they'll ever meet again. Thank you, Ziggy. I'm glad you liked it. And I'm sorry that I'm being so bad about replying at the moment. (Too much of a distraction from the workload, I'm afraid.)
perelleth · 25 June 2007 · Chapter 1: Escape
I´m so behind things! BUt this was mightily hilarious despite the seriousness of the matter. It is a pleasure that a wounded, sarcastic Ranger meets his match amidst a forest! I chuckled all the way at the witty exchanges bt also at the physical interactions. Very very amusing. I needed that.
Author's reply
Thanks, perelleth. I'm glad you liked it - and it was huge fun to put these characters together. I think they could have been friends, but I doubt they ever met again, really. Shame, that!
ShimmeringWater · 18 June 2007 · Chapter 1: Escape
Well written piece. I loved the caterpillar part.
Author's reply
Thank you, ShimmeringWater. I even looked up caterpillars so I would know what type it was and its preferred habitat. The research you do when you're writing - I've learned some fascinating things over the years!
lwarren · 17 June 2007 · Chapter 1: Escape
Oh, I remember reading this when it first came out and giggling at the prickliness between the Dunadan and the elf! LOL I really liked the interaction between these two - starting with that surprise awakening in the tree! Glad the Ranger was possessed of nerves of steel and a sense of balance! I was also intrigued by the identities of these two - the Ranger could possibly have been Halbarad (sounded familiar...his concern for his 'Captain', a daughter at home, the fondness for the horse known since foaling, the mention of partings, etc...yep, sounded a lot like meckinock's Halbarad). As for the elf...well...he reminded me a lot of Eilian, what with the report-minded brother at home and in charge...also the dark hair...not as certain about that, but the thought was VERY nice! LOL I enjoyed reading this from the Ranger's pov, too, as he notices the similarities between his lot in life and the elven warriors. Radagast was great, as usual. I really like the Brown...think he got a bum rap! Simple doesn't necessarily = useless. The elf's disgust at the fact that the message was all in the Ranger's head (put there to be retrieved by Radagast) was hilarious! :-) And the Ranger was right, these elves did seem more 'real' - especially the horse who remains unimpressed with men! LOL Just a great glimpse, Bodkin, at a meeting between reluctant allies, who are slowly realizing that continuing contact just might possibly lead to *gasp* friendship! ;-) Linda
Author's reply
This was great fun to write - one of those that flows quite easily. And I couldn't possibly comment on your character identifications!! But the Ranger has definitely been well-trained when it comes to dealing with strong-willed elves - and is the sort of man who feels more of an affinity to the realities of Wood-elf life than he does to the fairy dust beauty of Imladris. I was pleased at the way the message was sent - especially as it saved me from having to know what it was. It's a shame these people are unlikely to meet again. I think they could have been good friends. Thank you, Linda. Glad you liked it.
Dot · 10 June 2007 · Chapter 1: Escape
Catching up… I loved this. Though you’re getting mighty fond of making us guess the characters! The opening is gorgeous, with the caterpillar creeping along minding its own business. And I really like the man’s voice. He’s clearly used to the activities of orcs (not to mention being in a tight spot or two) and I love his grudging admiration of their dedication, despite being stuck in a tree over their heads. But the fact that it was more resignation and resentment rather than fear that he felt really stood out. I nearly fell out of my seat when he nearly fell out of the tree. Boy was I relieved to discover it was an elf! Albeit a rather disapproving elf. I loved the bit with him walking from branch to branch, impressing the elves while busy trying not to fall. And he’s so at ease around them. I get the impression that they’re not so fond of his familiarity and yet can’t quite help responding to it. Is it wrong that I was hoping for a diversion to face less amiable enquiries? Oh well… I’m chuckling at the mutual exasperation at Mithrandir. Why, you’d almost think he had a reputation ;-) It’s all very intriguing, though. I really enjoyed the back and forth conversation. I’m always so blown away by your descriptions that I forget to mention how well you write dialogue. It’s a very nice moment in the middle of it when the elf suggests that the man’s daughter might miss her Adar more than she’d mourn the loss of the horse. Though I rather suspect said daughter might be used to her Adar being missing. I also like the man’s observations about the patrol – he notices the elf keeping watch and how the others trust that elf completely, how the scouts were sent on ahead, how the captain interacts with the patrol. And, of course, how he himself feels he has more in common with these elves than the ones in Imladris, despite having just met them. I can see why he’d feel that way – they’re out doing what they can to protect their home and those they love, bound together by loyalty and common purpose. ‘She has now,’ he said. ‘She is unimpressed.’ LOL!! Priceless. I love these elves. ‘Reports,’ the man said in disgust. ‘They give an occupation to those who are reluctant to take the risks involved in being where it counts.’ ‘I will be sure to tell my brother your feelings on the matter.’ ROTFL! Why do I think this elf and the man share the opinion on reports, though the brother undoubtedly doesn’t? I just love the wizard’s glade, with its inhabitants clearly safe and content. And I’m sure the man can appreciate Radagast’s choice to protect the “disregarded.” ‘In your head?’ the elf said indignantly as they stepped back. Yeah, that was my reaction too! So clever. My favourite part of the whole thing? The hawk taking the message to Thranduil. Oh, fantastic. And the ending is perfect. The farewell between these two, who met by chance and discovered similarities and maybe the seed of friendship, was quite touching. I enjoyed so much watching them grow comfortable enough that they irritated and teased one another :-) You know, I really like this arrogant elf with a sense of mischief and a big heart and the man who believes wholeheartedly in duty and loyalty to his captain but who knows how important home and the people there are too… Wonderful, Bodkin.
Author's reply
Well - it's such fun to have people guess. And interesting to see what they think, too. And, do you know, I actually googled caterpillars and their habits, just so there was a smidgeon of accuracy to that part! This Ranger is - shall we say - experienced. And a tad cynical. But not foolish enough to fail to realise just how dangerous elves can be ... Although, perhaps, he wasn't aware quite how they were viewing him. The Mirkwood elves don't interact much with men and I doubt that they see their more Numenorean side much. Mind you, there's nothing like a shared viewpoint to build a bond. And Mithrandir could be very irritating, I should think. Very. Yes, Rangers' kids are real Services children. Having their fathers around must be rarer than hen's teeth. But the daughter would doubtless rather have her father return than the horse. This is a very experienced patrol. Used to very difficult surroundings - and I reckon they would take little direction. Especially when under the command of a Captain for whom they have so much respect. And sometimes, in writing stories, it is difficult to keep in mind that this isn't a Sunday school picnic - they are in a war zone. The message in the head pleased me no end - as I then didn't have to worry about what it was ... And Radagast told Thranduil, so these two had more common ground in being kept ignorant. One of those meetings where two people who could be good for each other meet briefly ... become friends ... and know they will never see each other again. Thank you, Dot. I'm glad you liked it.
Nilmandra · 3 June 2007 · Chapter 1: Escape
Nice job showing the differences between elves and the man... I am assuming Halbarad and Rumil, perhaps, and indeed, they had more in common than in difference! I do hope Radagast has some of his friends give the man a lift home!
Author's reply
Characters ... whoever you want. Although, bearing in mind meckinock's tastes ... I hope he gets home without having to walk all the way, too. But trying to fit that into the end just complicated matters too much. I'm sure he managed, though. I thought of sending him to Beorn for help - but it seemed better in the end to leave him to sort out his own travel plans. Thank you, Nilmandra.
grumpy · 31 May 2007 · Chapter 1: Escape
Great story of the meeting of the Ranger{my guess Halbarad) and the elves of Mirkwood. I loved seeing who could outwit each other. Loved Mithrandir being called high-handed. The whole story was wonderful.
Author's reply
I can just imagine all and sundry being brought to agreement by a common irritation with a certain grey-clad know-it-all. It was fun to put these people together - shame they didn't get to meet again later on and ... exchange views ... on how it all ended up. Thank you, grumpy. Glad you enjoyed it.
Jay of Lasgalen · 30 May 2007 · Chapter 1: Escape
I read this earlier, but didn't have time to review! You have some wonderful characters here, even though they're unnamed. The man - Isildur's heir, since he hails from Imladris and knows Elrond's sons so well; but he's not Aragorn or Halbarad. The elf captain - wonderful leadership, and I like the interaction with his patrol. And his brother receives the reports? There's the guardian as well. Wonderful characterisations, Bodkin. I love this tale. Happy Birthday to Meckinock! Jay
Author's reply
Characters open to interpretation, I'd say... It was great fun to play with a small amount of culture class. Two strangers brought together by a mutual exasperation with a certain interfering wizard. Thank you, Jay. Glad you liked it.
French Pony · 29 May 2007 · Chapter 1: Escape
I liked that. I liked the tentative, prickly feeling between the Ranger and the Elves. They're allies, but they're still foreign to each other, and the sense of there being two distinct species in this story really shines through. But the best line of all was this one: ‘Mithrandir,’ the elf pronounced, exasperated, ‘is far too good at manoeuvring all those around him into doing his bidding – whether they will or no.’ Ayup. That's Mithrandir to a tee, all right.
Author's reply
I love 'ayup' - it's such a ... lovely dialect word. This Ranger is a bit wary of elven glamour - not sure of the fairy-dust. I think he would like the rather more dangerous Wood-elves. And Mithrandir must have just driven all those dealing with him insane with irritation. Unless all they wanted was fireworks. Thank you, FP.
Redheredh · 29 May 2007 · Chapter 1: Escape
Now, that was entertaining!! Just plain fun to read!! :D I love that you let the reader decide who the Elf and Man might be. The conversations were so clever - downright hilarious in parts! Yet, insightful - as always. You write this sort of encounter story so very well. But I really liked: "Elves were udoubtedly arrogant - but those he knew had reason for their confidence, and, most likely, these were no different." Ha! "... these elves were more... real. Closer to the things that matter to him. Less... perfect." You betcha! -More Dangerous- I don't know how you get it so right, but you so do. Happy Birthday to Meckinock!
Author's reply
Thank you, Redheredh. I'm flattered! It was fun to play with this - and I'm glad you liked the dangerous elves ... and the critical eye of the Ranger. I think all parties learned something about each other.
The Karenator · 29 May 2007 · Chapter 1: Escape
I love the idea I've figured out who the man and the elf were, but I'm not going to tell you in order to preserve my self esteem. No matter who you had in mind, you did a wonderful job of putting two strong characters together and letting them play off one another. The sons of Elrond would be proud their teachings had stuck. Not only did the ranger not jump when the elf whispered in his ear, but he didn't fall out of the tree either when he woke to a hand in his back. He managed to stay cool throughout his visit with the elves and to be entertained. Of course, the elf enjoyed the verbal joust with the man just as much. I love how Mithrandir concealed his message. 'In his head.' Very inventive. That's one way to protect against your message falling into the wrong hands. I trust the elf with the report-loving brother continued to entertain himself and annoy his father, and the man, with the captain who insisted he carry healing supplies, made it home, then, sadly, into the Grey Company. Delightful, Bodkin. Just delightful.
Author's reply
That's just it! The identities are who you want them to be! The Rangers used to fighting with the bookend brothers - I can't remember if it was here, but I was longing to use that reference somewhere - must have a definite edge on most men when it comes to dealing with elves. And that edge probably does quite a lot to raise this particular Ranger in the eyes of these particular elves. Cunning plan for conveying the message ... one that got me out of having to think of a message, too. And I can't see Mithrandir being too open-mouthed. With anyone! Oh yes. More fun for the elf and man, dealing with their respective kin. Just a shame they weren't able to meet again after the worst was over. Thank you, Karen.
elliska · 28 May 2007 · Chapter 1: Escape
Wonderful! I think I probably jumped as much as the Ranger when the elf found him. I would have certainly fallen out of the tree. ;-) The fact that he did not and that he restrained himself from pulling a weapon shows he a very experienced warrior. I love how his Sindarin and knowledge of healing throw the elves a bit (funny accent indeed! -- poor Legolas, I'm sure he got the other end of that stick himself, but I admit, I love playing with the language differences myself). And I loved the manner of delivering the message to Radagast! I love the wizards. Mithrandir does not even appear here, but he is still such a presence. And of course I love the hawk! :-) This was a great story, Bodkin! And Happy Birthday to Meckinock!
Author's reply
I don't think I could have been in the tree in the first place - although, maybe if a bunch of orcs were after me ... And the Ranger has spent enough time playing with elves to know when aggression is not a good plan. I suspect his subconscious recognised elf before he was alert enough to decide it - you can't sleep too deeply when a) in a tree, b) being chased by orcs or c) on unknown territory. The delight of that method of sending a message meant that I didn't have to know what it was, either! And the hawk was just a perfect way to ensure that the messenger and the elven patrol remained in the dark. Thank you, elliska. I'm glad you liked it. Sorry I've taken so long to reply.
Larner · 28 May 2007 · Chapter 1: Escape
Yes, like calls to like here as Dunedain Ranger and Elven ranger meet and compare notes without speaking directly to the matter. Love this look at Halbarad amongst the unidentified Elven patrol.
Author's reply
Sometimes similarities overcome differences - and we do have people here who share the same intent. Which does a lot to create alliances! Thank you, Larner. I'm glad you liked it.
Beruthiels Cat · 28 May 2007 · Chapter 1: Escape
Intriguing! Very curious as to the identities of the parties involved... BC
Author's reply
Thank you, BC. As to the identities - well, it's a bit eye-of-the-beholder-ish. Could be ... lots of people. But Meckinock's preferences were taken into account in the intention. Sort of.
Gwynhyffar · 28 May 2007 · Chapter 1: Escape
Wonderful, Bodkin! I was laughing at parts and thinking 'what a clever elf you are!' in other parts. When it became obvious that it was Eilian and the brother was Ithilden... all the better! Two favourite parts: ‘Reports,’ the man said in disgust. ‘They give an occupation to those who are reluctant to take the risks involved in being where it counts.’ ‘I will be sure to tell my brother your feelings on the matter.’ The elf kept his face completely impassive, but the man could not miss the spark of amusement in his eyes. ‘I am sure he will appreciate the message.’ ... I bet he did too. hahaha The reluctant healer glanced reproachfully in his leader’s direction, but came to help the man to his feet. ‘She will be skittish,’ he said. ‘She does not like men.’ ‘Has she ever met one?’ the man asked. The elf sighed as he offered the man his hand to help him mount. ‘She has now,’ he said. ‘She is unimpressed.’ This one had me rolling. Too funny. I love how you put words together. I know I've said that before, but I am saying it again. :) Great story! and Happy Birthday to Meckinock!
Author's reply
It was great fun leaving the characters nameless - and their identities ... shall we say ... open to interpretation! Some stories seem to flow and write themselves quite easily - and this was one of them! I'm glad you liked it, Gwynhyffar.
Inkling · 28 May 2007 · Chapter 1: Escape
I liked the verbal sparring between man and elves…the mutual suspicion and wariness giving way to grudging respect and even something like affection, with the common bond of warriors overriding the inter-species tension. Nicely done, Bodkin!
Author's reply
Thank you, Inkling. It was fun to write - and I enjoyed keeping the characters nameless. The man did well to establish himself among the Wood-elves - and they accepted him better than he might have expected. They did recognise a commonalty of purpose, I think. And a shared frustration with the wiles of wizards!! I'm glad you liked it.
meckinock · 27 May 2007 · Chapter 1: Escape
Oh, Bodkin, this is wonderful! I can't stop laughing about the brother who insists on keeping his paperwork in order. Wonder who that could be? I love the mystery in this story; how you drop bread crumbs for us to follow, but we're never told exactly who the man is, or the elves. It's so fun to imagine I know; much more fun, in fact, than if you had just come out and told us. Some things are better left unsaid. One thing is sure, though - this man is brave. And loyal. And knows his bugs :-) Oh, and he definitely has better nerves than I do. I'd have jumped twenty feet straight up if I'd been sitting in a tree hiding from orcs and suddenly felt a hand on my back. ‘Mithrandir may be a lot of things,’ he said, ‘but he is not going to commit to paper anything that might offer assistance to his enemies.’ *snort* I was glad this unnamed Ranger had a good time with the unnamed Elves. This was a wonderful treat, Bodkin. Thank you!
Author's reply
A pleasure, meckinock! I hope you have a great birthday. It was rather fun leaving virtually everyone anonymous for the reader to identify. And I wonder who likes to have his paperwork in order! I actually wrote this before (I think) you started mentioning those rather grotesque cicadas - so the appearance of the caterpillar is a co-incidence. But clearly insects are an appropriate addition to a tale of Rangers and Elves! I don't think I'd have managed to stay in the tree if an elf suddenly appeared. But, perhaps, he had already subconsciously realised the scent was elf rather than anything more dangerous. The Ranger coped pretty well among the Wood-elves. But he would, though, wouldn't he!! A man with strong nerves. And a distaste for fairy dust.
erunyauve · 27 May 2007 · Chapter 1: Escape
>>‘You sound … most philosophical.’ >>The man smiled wryly. ‘Too much time spent among your kind, elf,’ he said. ‘I shall fight against it.’ Nice slice of Woodland Elf/Dunadan interaction - both the man and the elves are believable, and in a little bit of space, you show us a lot about the two peoples - particularly the close kinship of the Dunedain with Elves.
Author's reply
Thank you, erunyauve. Dunedain are used to elves - but Wood-elves are a bit different. I think this particular Dunadan would probably prefer the company of Wood-elves - they are rather closer to the land and a bit less ... perfect. I'm glad you found the characters believable.
Lindelea · 27 May 2007 · Chapter 1: Escape
Glorious! Full of the little details the put the reader in the scene, and the occasional wry aside that sparkles with dry wit. Am glad I happened to be online, editing music, when I saw the chapter notification. (Stole a few moments to read, and now must really make my fingers fly. Ah, but it was worth it.)
Author's reply
Thank you, Lindelea. I'm glad you enjoyed this and liked the details. It was a most enjoyable story to write and it was fun to keep the characters anonymous. I hope you get a bit more time to read and write soon! I'm suffering from MFH withdrawal. Bring back Ferdi!!
Dot · 27 May 2007 · Chapter 1: Escape
This is great, Bodkin! It's very cleverly done and the descriptions are gorgeous as always. I'll leave you a proper review when I can but I wanted to let you know that I really enjoyed it :-)
Author's reply
Thank you, Dot. I'm glad you liked it - it was a fun story to write.
rikki · 27 May 2007 · Chapter 1: Escape
Catches breath! If a hand had landed on my back when I was hiding in a tree from orcs, I am afraid I would have fallen out having a heart attack! Great imagery here with all the senses involved here - hearing, sight, sound, touch. The dunaden trying to hide from the orcs hunting for him below, watching the catepillar inching its way towards him, the elf captain who delivers the messenger to the brown wizard and the way that the elf and man interact with each other was very telling. Your characters have no names but the captain whose brother loves "full reports" and the dunaden who is determined to rescue his captain and take him home before his people forget what he looks like indicates a time period for the story and possible personal identifications. Lovely. Happy birthday Meckinock.
Author's reply
I think the Dunadan is accustomed enough to elves - well the sons of Elrond, anyway - to recognise their presence. And they certainly don't smell like orcs! It was great fun leaving the characters anonymous - because it offers the reader the chance to decide who they might be! Thank you, rikki. I'm glad you enjoyed the story.
Agape4Gondor · 27 May 2007 · Chapter 1: Escape
Excellent tale - excellent! I laughed to myself often; very nice to find a Ranger who is so - mature is the only word I can think of that expresses it. Able to handle himself, able to converse with Elves, able to keep himself from being killed, etc. etc. etc. EXCELLENT. My favorite lines..... 'He jerked awake to feel a firm hand on his back as he both remembered why he needed to be cautious in his movement and began simultaneously to slide from the branch. A pain-filled scrambling wrapped his legs round his support and his stiff arms clutched the ridged bark as he steadied his breathing. Fortunately, he thought, remaining in the tree had taken his attention, and, by the time he was able to seek one of the razor-edged knives he carried, he was awake enough to be aware that the hand on his back belonged to an elf – and that reaching for a weapon would be, at the very least, unwise.'
Author's reply
I do like to see a Ranger who can cope in all sorts of situations! And, really, the Dunedain had pretty wide-ranging experience of elves ... and battle ... and wizards - and sheer survival under difficult circumstances. This one is a little out of his comfort zone, but he is very determined to look after his captain - even if his captain doesn't particularly want him to! Good thing it doesn't take his brain long to wake up, too - I don't think it would have done him much good to go for that knife! Thank you! I'm glad you liked it.