The Librarian by Jay of Lasgalen

Reviews (20)

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Alassë Talangand · 15 November 2009 · Chapter 1: The Librarian

Mae Govannen Mellon, This story is so Amazing! So wonderful! I love Legolas Elfling stories He's such a handful :) your writing is clear and concise and sweet. Just a question for you: I know Legolas and Thranduil but I'm new to stories of the elves are the other elves from Tolkien's world and where?

Bodkin · 31 March 2008 · Chapter 1: The Librarian

Maybe a bit of Lanatus would be a good penalty ... On the other hand, Tionel is much more likely to make Legolas an enthusiastic student - and the stories he imparts are excellent. Every child needs someone who will grass on the adventures of their perfectly-behaved, mature parents.

Author's reply

Inflicting Lanatus on Legolas (and vice-versa) would be sheer cruelty. Lanatus has already done a good job of putting Legolas off his history lessons, while Tionel will encourage and enthuse him. 'Every child needs someone who will grass on the adventures of their perfectly-behaved, mature parents.' Which is one of the reasons why the twins love Glorfindel so much ...

elliska · 2 March 2008 · Chapter 1: The Librarian

I was laughing myself silly over the naughty squirrel story and Legolas throwing acorns at the guards! When I got to the wolf I absolutely loved it. I can so see Legolas charming even wolves and I can so imagine Thranduil's absolute horror. Woodelf or no, a wold in your parlor would get your attention! This was great!

Author's reply

The story Legolas refers to is The Tale of Squirrel Nutkin, of course. It seemed the sort of tale an elfling would enjoy! Wolves would have no fear of the elves, who wouldn't hunt or harm them, so I think they'd probably live in harmony. Though as a father, Thranduil is still scared stiff!

Dot · 2 March 2008 · Chapter 1: The Librarian

Sorry I’m late getting back to this... :-/ As I said to you, I was already laughing when I saw the title but wasn’t expecting the story to be as hilarious as it is! Moss-stained, scratched, with green smears across his face and clothes, and bits of leaf and bark in his hair, he still managed to radiate an air of complete innocence. Thranduil’s heart sank. He knew that look. Heh. That’s such a great opening. And boy does it set the tone for the story! Not only does Legolas look adoringly innocent but he has a child’s logic that’s so difficult to argue with. Poor Thranduil – I’m still chuckling at him ending up discussing squirrels rather than why Legolas was misbehaving. Lanatus was dour and grim, with a bleak outlook on life. For him, every silver lining had a cloud. Aw, c’mon. Someone probably misfiled the books. Or bent pages in them instead of using a bookmark. That makes me grim, anyway ;-) I was wondering why Legolas seemed suspiciously pleased to be working with Tionel – so Tionel is a good storyteller, eh?! I suspect he’ll have his work cut out trying to find “safe” stories. Especially with an elfling as, um, creative as Legolas. I have to admit, you did send my heart crossways for a moment when the obviously frightened guard came to get Thranduil. And oh my God, it’s a wolf! Boy did I feel for Thranduil. But you said I wasn’t to bring any of the wolfhounds indoors any more, not since you stepped in – ” LOL!! I don’t know which is funnier - Legolas’ logic or the unspoken story! Behind him there was a creak of wood as every bow was bent. You know, I really love that line. I just thought it was a great way to show the tension in the hallway and how serious it could be, even though it seems on the surface like an amusing escapade. Me, I’d have been hiding under a bed – but I think you know that ;-) And it’s absolutely hilarious that Legolas is scowling at Thranduil for ruining his fun! Ok, I love Tionel. More about him, please! Though he might want to run very fast when Thranduil discovers the latest thing that his son has learned in the library :-D Brilliant. This really is excellent, Jay. Not only is it a thoroughly enjoyable story but you’ve put so many personal touches into it. Thank you again so, so much for it. It's a wonderful gift.

Author's reply

Poor, poor Thranduil. Innocent, adventurous Legolas must be far harder to deal with than if he'd been outright naughty and disobedient. And he can skip off the topic all too easily. His logic is terrifyingly straightforward - if he can't have a wolfhound (and I can't get Thranduil to tell me that tale!) then he'll have a wolf instead. I'm afraid Lanatus is like that. He's just miserable - he doesn't want anyone reading in the library, or touching his precious books. Tionel's very different and wants to share his love of stories. I feel sorry for the guards, who must fear their king and prince are about to be savaged by this creature. They're very disciplined not to just shoot it anyway. I'm so glad you enjoyed this, Dot! Jay

White Wolf · 29 February 2008 · Chapter 1: The Librarian

What a wonderfully deligtfull little tale. It is so easy to picture Legolas as a wide-eyed, innocent elfling. I laughed out loud when he said: "But you said I wasn’t to bring any of the wolfhounds indoors any more, not since you stepped in – " I can just imagine the consternation Thranduil will face until Legolas reaches his majority. I think Tionel will have his hands full, as well, trying to find just the right thing for Legolas to read that won't lead to misadventure. I love wolves, as you might guess from my pen name, so I was very happy to see that Legolas was able to 'connect' with this one. A truly enjoyable read.

Author's reply

Thank you - I like wolves too (though Thranduil wasn't too keen on this one!) It was fun to write about 'Huan' and Legolas - and at least Huan got to enjoy Thranduil's supper :) "But you said I wasn’t to bring any of the wolfhounds indoors any more, not since you stepped in – " *Grin* Thanks! That was one of my favourite lines.

Kitty · 27 February 2008 · Chapter 1: The Librarian

Jay, that was hilarious! I've laughed myself silly. Oh yes, I can imagine Legolas' wide-eyed, innocent look! Thranduil will have a lively time bringing him up to adulthood all on his own! Bringing a wild wolf into the stronghold after Ada had forbidden the wolfhounds - ouch. No wonder Thranduil was so upset. And I love your Tionel. To give Legolas just *that* diary of Oropher ... *lol* It is really nice when someone of our profession is such a wonderful partner in crime for an elfling, considering how librarians are often described in literature - grey haired spinsters with buns, but without any humour.

Author's reply

*Grin* I think any parent will know that innocent look! Poor Thranduil faces a difficult time with his son's logical, literal interpretation of stories. I'm glad you liked Tionel. I didn't know you were a librarian too - this is for all who encourage a love of reading! Jay

Redheredh · 27 February 2008 · Chapter 1: The Librarian

LOL! That was very enjoyable! Wise and good Thranduil for not crushing his child's adventurous spirit! And Yay! for Dot, too.

Author's reply

Thranduil understands that lust for knowledge - he's been there himself, even though he can see the flaws now! Jay

Mum's the Word · 26 February 2008 · Chapter 1: The Librarian

What an adorable story! I laughed out loud at Huan and the hunk of venison, ended up reading that part to my hubby. And I loved the ending! (Not asking for a prize, but isn't the naughty squirrel a Beatrix Potter creation?) And happy birthday to Dot! Hugs and blessings, Mum

Author's reply

Yes, the story is the Tale of Squirrel Nutkin. It was one I could imagine young elves enjoying, and Legolas would just love naughty, mischievious Nutkin. Poor Huan - but at least he got the venison! I just hope he doesn't decide to go back for more :>)

meckinock · 26 February 2008 · Chapter 1: The Librarian

Aww, what a perfect story for our favourite librarian. Happy Birthday to Dot and thanks to Jay for letting all of us share her present.

Author's reply

Thanks, Meckinock! I love other people's birthdays and getting the chance to read their gifts :>) Jay

Beverly · 26 February 2008 · Chapter 1: The Librarian

Great! I just love little Legolas stories...(and big Legolas too). Poor Ada, he always has his hands full with his little elfling. But, he is such a precious child, how can you stay mad at him. LOL Seems to me that Tionel has a bit of a streak of mischief himself..LOL. " Tionel considered. He really should not encourage Legolas, but he felt sorry for the child. It was not his fault his enthusiasm sometimes got the better of him - it was, after all, an inherited trait. He winked. "I know just the place to start. Over there; the diaries of your grandfather Oropher." Ah-ha..you can almost see the wheels turning in that sweet little head. Great story...hope this may lead to more. Pretty please. Peace Beverly

Author's reply

I've not written any little Legolas stories for a while - my attention has been taken by writing about the twins, both as children and adults. This tale reminded me that my first LOTR love was for Legolas and Thranduil, and my fury at all those abusive!Thranduil stories that were around at the time. Tionel really should know better ...

Fiondil · 26 February 2008 · Chapter 1: The Librarian

Good heavens, Jay! I don't know who's the worse menace, Legolas or Tionel! LOL Those poor guards, too. Lovely story and a nice tribute to all the librarians who instilled a love of books and imagination in us all.

Author's reply

Well, Legolas doesn't really know any better, but Tionel is definitely encouraging him! I think this is dedicated to all who encourage a love of reading. Jay

Edlyn · 26 February 2008 · Chapter 1: The Librarian

Oh, this was just adorable! It's a good thing that Thranduil has such fair coloured hair because Legolas surely has given him many grey ones despite him being one of the Eldar!

Author's reply

Thranduil says he is a natural blond, thank you very much, with no grey AT ALL!! Elrond suffers far more from the twins.

Larner · 25 February 2008 · Chapter 1: The Librarian

Poor elfling! And he's just following in Dad's--I mean Ada's--footsteps? Hehehehehehehe!

Author's reply

Thranduil will find it difficult to live that one down!

Nilmandra · 25 February 2008 · Chapter 1: The Librarian

LOL, cute story, Jay. Curious Legolas reminds me a bit of the children's story, Curious George (the monkey). He gave the man in the yellow hat many adventures too, in trying to keep him out of trouble. I'm sure Huan wouldn't have been too much trouble to keep - I mean, sometimes animals do just follow us home. :D

Author's reply

I don't know Curious George, but I think all young elves are curious - too curious for their own good! Animals sometimes just follow us home? No. Surely not! :>)

Nieriel Raina · 25 February 2008 · Chapter 1: The Librarian

*tries to type through snorts of laughter* Oh, Jay, this is priceless! Legolas seems to be related to my own elfling. *falls to floor in fits of giggles* What a magnificent tale! I will be rec'ing this one at my yahoo group. Magnificent! *applause*

Author's reply

*Grin* Thank you! I'm glad you enjoyed this. It was fun to write, too!

Ces · 25 February 2008 · Chapter 1: The Librarian

This was just too precious for words! Where to start? I'm quite sure Thranduil must harden his heart everytime Legolas gives him that doe-eyed, "who me?" innocent look. But inside he's probably laughing, except for the wolf scene of course. I'm sure he saw his life flash before his eyes during that encounter! Only Legolas could tame a wolf! You know, you gotta love Lanatus, even though he's not in this story except by name! I can just imagine the horrified look on Legolas's face when faced with that punishment. Fortunately even Thranduil would not impose that on his little elfling. Tionel....another character to love and now Legolas knows one sin of Thranduil to use as blackmail - although he'll probably just bound in and tell his ada what he learned in the library today! Thank you for making me laugh today. This story really brightened up my evening! Ces

Author's reply

I know that 'who, me?' look - I think every parent does. And sometimes it's so hard to keep a straight face! Lanatus is only ever a minor character, but I do like him - or rather, I like other people's reactions to him. He's just so miserable and gloomy! It would be mean to make anyone work with him. I'm glad you enjoyed this, and that it made you laugh. Thank you!! Jay

Elflingimp · 25 February 2008 · Chapter 1: The Librarian

Well I guess I know what story your talking about! But that was really funny! I think I'm gonna watch what stories I read to my daycare kids! LOL

Author's reply

Well - it seemed the sort of tale elflings would enjoy! But some young elves are more impressionable than others, and more imaginative - and this is the result! I'm glad you liked this :>) Jay

ellie · 25 February 2008 · Chapter 1: The Librarian

too cute! i love it! might not let the kids read it though cause they may get ideas, but i love it!

Author's reply

Ideas? What ideas could they possibly get? This is an educational experience!

daw the minstrel · 25 February 2008 · Chapter 1: The Librarian

he still managed to radiate an air of complete innocence. Thranduil’s heart sank. LOL. The reaction of a sadder but wiser parent. Great librarian tale for Dot. You can see how helpful librarians are! I'm sure Thranduil would want to know.

Author's reply

I know that innocent look well. I think every parent does! (My brother, when caught on top of a high garden wall, asked 'What wall?') Tionel is expanding Legolas's education and his imaginative literacy - at least, that's what he tells Thranduil!! Many thanks for beta reading this for me, Daw.

Agape4Gondor · 25 February 2008 · Chapter 1: The Librarian

This was such fun to read! I howled at Legolas' antics and felt sorrow for poor Thranduil. What a little scalawag. Now - I hope that Tionel keeps the stories of werewolves and such away from the lad! I once had a librarian at high school that everyone said to stay away from - that she was mean and cranky. I had a 'small' discipline problem, and in my sophomore year, I was sent to the library as punishment. I discovered that the librarian was an incredibly witty, wonderful woman and I was so very sad that I had 'lost' a year with her. Taught me a very good lesson about not listening to others! Great tale!

Author's reply

Thank you! I must admit it was fun to write as well :>) Tionel doesn't realise quite how much he's encouraging Legolas here - he just wants to share his love of books and stories, but I think Thranduil will regard him as a bad influence! I like your tale. People have hidden depths that may not be apparent to all. Jay