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Elflings   by Bodkin 8 Review(s)
LarnerReviewed Chapter: 7 on 10/24/2006
Yes, a perfect name for another of Elrond's grandsons. And I wish Elrin could have known his cousin and his cousin's father.

And the terrible two do seem to be maturing at last, for which I'm certain all are glad.

Author Reply: I hope Miriwen and Sirithiel are prepared to produce a few more grandsons for Elrond - because I have quite a list of possibilities!

E2L will never entirely get over grieving that Arwen and Estel and Eldarion (and whatever daughters) are lost to them. Neither, of course will Elrond. Or Celebrian and Galadriel and Celeborn. Or Glorfindel. And Legolas will always have a place in his heart for Gimli - and Boromir and the hobbits.

I'm sure Elrohir's hair would be grey now, were he not an elf! But Aewlin and Nimloth are showing signs of growing out of the worst of their habits - a big relief to all and sundry.

RedheredhReviewed Chapter: 7 on 5/10/2005

There were such wonderful, caring sentiments here. You have everyone engage each other with affection and respect. (I want to be part of this family so badly!) The interaction amongst the children was as always very entertaining because you make it feel so natural. The ladies' conversion was reminiscent of days I'd spent at my relatives kitchen table. I got all nostalgic and I thank you very much.

Elrin is such a good kid. Please don't let his little brother be any more of pain than his cousins have been. Love how he got to name the baby. Elrond too should be very happy about his choice since his grandson is really carrying on a tradition of remebrance and honor. This time for Elros and Elwing. (as both were also named in conjuction to waterfalls) That was a very nice touch.

I can't wait to find out about the accident that fell Elladan and his poor horse. Elves are not suppose to stumble, even in the rain. Goodness, the embarassment, not to mention the inconvenience. ;)

I really shouldn't go on about your writing talent yet again. But*darn*! You make genius look so easy. -- Ah, so what have we here? Oh, just another dozen pages of superior writing and a simple tale made special by art and craft. Nothing unusual for this particualr author... --

- oops, almost forget to include a quote! - "...he had continued to receive as much attention and adoration as was good for any ellon..." "...the misgiving was eating at him." "Halfway, then...And if we let them walk the rest of the way, it will give them time to cool down." "I would rather know what was going on." "You would trust me to do that?" You convey so much of Elrin's modesty, good common sense, and sensitivity in this story. I hope you give him a story all his own later on.

You should also know that I have become emotionally dependent upon you to keep up the high standards you have set for yourself and be as reliable as Elrin in continuing to write like the dickens.


Author Reply: They are a great family. And they all manage to live pretty much together without wanting to do something terminal to anyone! It must be their elvishness. Although, having said that, Legolas's in-laws aren't exactly easy - so I suppose E2 did a good job in choosing wives able to get on with each other and the twins' parents. I feel a tinge of sympathy with Aewlin and Nimloth - having to sit with the ladies and learn 'girl stuff'. But, on the other hand, it is still true that in later life it is the girl stuff that proves extremely useful. (However politically incorrect. And I don't think the elves have discovered political correctness.)

Elrin is lovely. I don't think his brother will be a particular pain. I think that Miriwen is very good with children. Not that Sirithiel / Elrohir are bad with them - the twins' naughtiness is a lot to do with their exclusive and rather self-contained twinnishness - but Miriwen is one of those people who has a superb way with the young, and she manages to direct them by making them want to do what she feels they should. Elrin picked a good family name, I think. (One that only took several hours with a dictionary of elvish. But I have got enough names for another half-dozen little scions of Elrond's house. Not that there will be any more - but I'm prepared!) I liked the connection with Elwing and Elros.

The Reflection that gives a brief account of Elladan's accident is up now. It's short (because it is a Reflection), and it happens almost immediately after the end of the previous one.

Oh shucks. I shall blush and squirm now! I shall keep writing as long as anyone wants to read it. It's far too addictive to give up.

I like Elrin. I'm coming to forget that half these people are figments of my imagination. Sometimes I have to remind myself to put in actual LOTR characters, because I've got all wrapped up in the elflings.

Thank you for your encouragement!

The KarenatorReviewed Chapter: 7 on 5/10/2005
What a terrific chapter. Poor cousin Elrin. I think he's caught between finding his cousins delightful and finding them completely annoying. He's such a responsible fellow and well, when you're responsible, you end up with more responsibility. Elrin manages the 'care' of his cousins well. The subtle signs of him growing up are there.

The new little one is too cute. I liked that the new parents allowed their older son to chose the name. And Elrin did well. Lovely name. That was one of the perks of being 'responsible'. I'm told that my brother wanted to name me when I was born...after my grandmother's cat...Flossie. I can't tell you how glad I am that my mother wasn't game. Elrin obviously did better than that.

What a wonderful chapter. Such fun to read.

Karen

Author Reply: What if your grandmother's cat had had a really cool name, and your parents had shrugged and given in - your brother would still be telling every single friend of yours about it. And, being grown up and mature, you would smile pleasantly between gritted teeth and fight off the urge to indulge in violence. So it's just as well she was called Flossie. I think, had Elrin gone for the famille Elrond version of Flossie, (some of Elladan's suggestions qualify), Miriwen would have been forced to put her foot down - but he is a sensible ellon and picked a nice name.

I think he is finding the cousins a bit less stressful in a way - they are more reasonable more of the time, but the downside is that they are older and have an even greater potential for causing catastrophe when they do step beyond the boundaries. Yes, a willingness to accept responsibility only leads to more - but he can cope as long as he is appreciated. And he is.

I'm glad you enjoyed it. It was a pleasant holiday from trying to make sense of Earendil's adventures!

Jay of LasgalenReviewed Chapter: 7 on 5/9/2005
BTW - the next chapter of 'Reflections' is going to have to be about Elladan's accident! He fell off a horse??


Jay ;)

Author Reply: It wasn't . . . but it can be.

I'll go and insert it now!

Author Reply: It is now!

KarriReviewed Chapter: 7 on 5/9/2005
A lovely chapter, Bodkin. I liked that Elladan did not alter the name after Elrin choose it, even though it did not turn out as expected. My nephew had a hand in choosing his bother's name as well, as it really helped to make him feel apart of everything, instead of feeling replaced. :-)

Author Reply: Miriwen was happy with it - well, Elrin didn't attempt any of Elladan's 'humorous' efforts. (And it's a flipping sight easier to type than either Laerwen or Goerfer.) It is a good way to involve a sibling - although there should be limitations. I wouldn't fancy naming a kid after a Pokemon just to please the kids.

This was fun to write, once I got going. Thank you for reading!

elliskaReviewed Chapter: 7 on 5/8/2005
Poor Elrin! He is such a good elfling! His cousins must drive him to absolute distraction and he is still good. I just love him! Aewlin's description of the adult's conversation while sewing (no wonder they wanted some excitement) was very funny and spot on, if you ask me. And I just cracked up laughing when Elrin asked if they thought he was stupid. I could just hear him saying that. Too funny.

I also loved Celebrian's description of her pregnancy with Arwen. The idea of her making Galadriel and Elrond go nuts is very amusing. And the twins' memories of missing the trip to Mithlond were great. Poor Elladan. This was not the time for him to hurt himself. That would be beyond frustrating! I really felt for him when Miriwen's labor started and he was stuck unable to walk with her. Argh!

‘Aewlin and Nimloth wish to ride,’ he told his uncle, ‘and they assure me that I am considered a suitable companion.’

Both of Elrond’s sons laughed. ‘And you thought it wise to check that that is not only what I said, but also what I meant,’ Elrohir guessed.


That was great. I love Elrin. Too perfect. And I loved him enjoying his new horse and worrying about his baby brother's impending birth. I don't have any siblings, for which I am very grateful. I think one could not help but worry how a new child would change the family dynamics. I think this little ride with his cousins and then the singing was a much needed distraction. And I am so glad he got to pick the name (and that Elladan liked it--that will teach him to not be specific!).

Well done! A very sweet chapter.


Author Reply: Elrin rather enjoys having his cousins count on him. In a somewhat masochistic way. And he likes being thought of as mature enough to look after them. Aewlin and Nimloth rather resent being stuck with girlie tasks - but they still find the conversation interesting.

Poor Elladan. He does seem to be rather accident prone. Too impulsive, that's the trouble. But fortunately Miriwen understands him perfectly and likes him just the way he is.

Elrin is sensible - especially when round his cousins. He gets up to mischief with his friends, but he has learned to be wary when Aewlin and Nimloth appear too sweet. I think he will love the little one too. He has a soft heart and a strong desire to look after people. Finding names is terribly difficult - especially when you have Elladan making outrageous suggestions - and I think Elrin did well. (And it only took me a couple of hours!)

Thank you. Not a lot happened, but it was fun to do.

Jay of LasgalenReviewed Chapter: 7 on 5/8/2005
A lovely chapter, Bodkin - but poor Elladan! There could not be a worse time for him to be laid up with a broken leg! Elrohir's twins are clearly improving, which must be a great relief for him, but I still love their relationship with their big cousin.

It's always difficult to pick out favourite lines, but I think it's this: '‘Slapping someone is a recognised treatment for shock,’ Nimloth told him, her eyes narrowed. ‘No-one could hold it against us.’ '

Elladan's love for his wife was so clearly evident here, and I loved their wisdom in allowing Elrin to choose his new brother's name. Ellanthir. I like it.


Jay

Author Reply: Poor Elladan. It's a nasty break, too. And I really like Miriwen and Elladan - they make a great combination. One day I might do their meeting in Imladris, when Miriwen fell for him and he was too busy orc-slaying to be interested.

Ha! Elrin could hold a slap against her. For a long time.

And Elrohir's twinlets are growing up a bit. Being big cousins might well do them a world of good. But Elrin would miss them (in a funny way) if they decided to abandon him. He likes the way they look up to him.

daw the minstrelReviewed Chapter: 7 on 5/8/2005
Lovely! Elrin really is a nice boy. I was always a responsible child myself, but as I look at him, I hope he gets a chance to play too.

Author Reply: I admit that I am rather attached to Elrin. He is a typical first-born - responsible, hard-working, anxious to please. Lots of adult attention - and adoration - when small, and high expectations of him.

He has friends, like Nadhras, he does teenage-ellon stuff with. (I think there is a reference somewhere to him and his friends going off caving. Maybe I'll write it sometime!) But he is never irresponsible if left in charge of his cousins. He has learned that they need Watching. With a capital W.

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