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Sweet Woodbine by Bodkin	14 Review(s)
EOIaCsbjdIanslQY	Reviewed Chapter: 5 on 5/31/2012
I really enyoejd your talk at Bournemouth. So glad to hear that you are feeling well. I live in Oxfordshire, but sadly we do not seem to have many machine knitters or clubs and I do not get to see fellow knitters. Most shows seem to be a bit far away,Bournemouth is nearest.Susan SugdenBicester Oxon

Larner	Reviewed Chapter: 5 on 12/9/2006
I see advice is being offered on several sides, and all of it sage enough. Joy to all of them as each comes closer to his or her heart's desire. Author Reply: Plenty of advice - and learning to accept advice graciously is probably a sign of maturity! Fingers crossed that the heart's desires pan out. (I suspect they probably will. In time. Even Taryatur might end up reconciled ... one day, in the far distant future!)

Kitty	Reviewed Chapter: 5 on 6/25/2006
‘The worst part of the experience will be satisfying my lady that your appearance does you credit. Believe me – the evening will seem straightforward in comparison.’ lol Well, in this nothing has changed very much, don’t you agree? Poor Haldir – the experience of dancing with various ellyth wasn’t something he enjoyed. Not to mention his surprise of ‚Lady Galadriel’s protection coming in petticoats’. I was giggling the whole time! Hm, so that is the main reason why Taryatur fights a relationship between Elerrina and Legolas so fervently? Not only his intense dislike of Oropher, but to protect his daughter from every mention of war? I don’t know ... it may be very honourable of him, but I don’t think he can do that forever, not with all the elves from Arda coming to the Blessed Realm. And I don’t know for sure, but maybe it would help him to talk with these who fought in Arda for three ages of the world, not only in the host of the Valar back in the First Age, to see them in an other light. Author Reply: Poor Haldir - he would love to be able to run back to his woods and hide, but duty compels him to dance with Noldor maidens while dressed in fancy clothes! Taryatur was himself very badly hurt by exposure to war (Oropher didn't help), and he is convinced that all warriors are damaged. Elves were meant to live in peace and beauty, singing the praises of the Valar - and he discovered that elven bodies break in the most hideous ways and that their minds can be corrupted - and, even worse, that they can grow used to killing and look on it as a solution of choice to difficulties. He has always done his best to avoid those elves who have crossed the sea since the end of the First Age - and many of them have settled on Tol Eressea or otherwise kept away from the lands of the Noldor. He still needs to achieve some settlement himself, I think, before he can realise that you can be a warrior and have seen battle and yet remain pure of heart.

French Pony	Reviewed Chapter: 5 on 6/1/2006
Poor Haldir. Poor, poor Haldir. Snerk, snerk. Ooh, Elerrina has Mom firmly in her corner. Mom is always a good person to have on your side. It's just a matter of time now. "We just want you to know what you'll be getting into. . . " Yup. She's got Mom. Clearly, Legolas is not a bee charmer. But he makes the effort. Far better to do that than kiss babies all the time. I have to go do laundry now, but I'll come back to this. Author Reply: Haldir needs to grow up a bit. And now Galadriel has her eyes firmly on him and no Rings or Dark Lords to distract her. She needs a project to keep her busy until Celeborn decides to sail ... and Haldir just got volunteered. It'll do him good. Really. Linevende is torn - she knows that Elerrina has fallen good and hard and that it's too late to do anything about that, but, at the same time, she loves Taryatur dearly and can see the old curmudgeon's point. She saw how fighting in Endore changed him and has had to deal with his problems. But she's much more open to accepting Elerrina's choice. No, Legolas hasn't much experience of bee charming. But he'll try! He knows that he needs to be seen as a Wood Elf as much as a Prince among the Noldor. And, I think, he needs to spend time in the woods as much as the elves there want to see him. It grounds him and reminds him just why he's doing this.

elliska	Reviewed Chapter: 5 on 5/7/2006
Ooo. I just found the notification that Reflections was updated, and when I went to your author page, I saw I'd missed this too. Double treat. I rolled on the floor laughing at poor Haldir's predicament! Celebrian would be a battle he stood no chance of winning, I would say. That would be almost as bad as defying Galadriel. And since Galadriel was in on this as well...poor dear was just lost. I loved the dance and the accompanying conversation. You could not have better shown the way things must be at court than that. I loved it. And I loved every aspect of Haldir's interactions with Elerrina. That has potential in many ways. ‘I have at times wondered if the Blessed Realm is … is a growing place – that, as new lands or new challenges become necessary, they come into existence. It would make sense.’ I love this idea and it must be true--Arda is going to last a very long time and Valinor must accomodate those elves for all that time. This was just great. And so was Legolas's response. a carefully supervised playground Indeed! And I continue to love the glimpses into Camentur and Elerrina's pasts and everyday lives and how those things affect them. But the last part was my favorite--again I love seeing their day-to-day activities, and the conversation was great. >i>They just need time to grow used to each other.’ / ‘I am not sure that even elves have that much time.' Poor Legolas. I do not envy him. Great chapter, Bodkin! Author Reply: Poor poor Haldir! He's not designed by nature for diplomacy. But he does need to mature a bit and expand his horizons! It's so tempting to think of Celebrian as being the natural heir of her adar, grown up in Lothlorien - I have to keep reminding myself that she'd been married and Lady of Imladris for nearly a couple of millennia before C & G took on the role of ruling the Golden Wood. Mind you, if she looked at him with the authority of her parents, I can't see him being able to refuse. Even if she did put him in red. Elerrina is just so much more comfortable in Haldir's company - she has no desire at all to behave inappropriately. You never know, Taryatur might even come to like this elf! And I can see Galadriel bringing her attendants round to running their own Mafia. It would be very convenient to have an expanding Blessed Realm - and the Elves of Ennor would think of it as a carefully managed adventure playground, with all the real dangers carefully excised. It's still a good way before there's any happy ending. Mind you, even the happy ending has its problems. I'm glad you enjoyed it. The next bit is coming along rather more slowly, but it won't be too long.

Ellie	Reviewed Chapter: 5 on 5/7/2006
Loved this chapter, especially the fishing with Finrod. Oh the pun possibilities are almost too much to bear with that statement, but I shall resist. Anyway, nicely done as usual. I loved the encouragement and praise Legolas received at the end of the chapter. Keep up the good work! Can't wait for more! Author Reply: I like puns! It can be almost impossible to avoid innuendo at times, but I try! Of course, you have to realise it's there... Legolas is doing well and settling into a kind of roving ruler role (alliteration!) but it is tougher than it sounds - he can't really settle anywhere. Wherever he hangs his hat it's his home. Poor elf needs a family! Thank you. More soon - but the next chapter isn't rushing to appear.

Redheredh	Reviewed Chapter: 5 on 5/5/2006
I shall follow your example and reply with another review. :) I have said myself that it surely would have been necessary for there to be a human king and elven king for the sake of their peoples. We agree that would only be a reasonable expectation. However, after the War of Wrath, the Noldor royal line got the job, not Elu's. imho, Salic Law merely reflects the practical preference that a commander-in-chief have real military experience. It does not detract from supporting an established blood-line. At least among the Umanyar, it works that way. Dior was Elu's heir - through Luthien - not someone of his nephews' lines. The same situation with Elros and Elrond through Elwing. I prefer to think Elros was the eldest because it is one way to see how sovereignty of Middle-earth passed into mortal hands. Yes, Haldir probably was just grumbling and always would do as a Lady told him to anyway. ;) He owes them his services, after all. I balked at the red only because to me it seems a rather Noldor color for a patently Silvan grey-elf to wear. But, if you are looking for a fashionable effect, and not to one's school colors, Celebrian certainly would know best how to literally dress Haldir up. Golly, I rather like the evolutionary idea of wood-elf hair developing a natural camouflage. But, Tolkien seemed to say that most elves, both Noldor and Teleri, at least, were dark-haired. Which showcases the high-born family traits very nicely, I think. ... other things. Hmm, if Legolas really realized what Elerrina's ease with Haldir indicated, would he be in a better case or worse? ];} In regards to your btw, which is the actual reason I am here again... Rule of Thumb with collective nouns for an affiliation: If it ends in 'r' or 'i', that is the quenya plural form and you simply drop it and hold on to the vowel to get the singular. If it ends in 'rim', you drop it and add 'el'. Laiquendi - Laiquende, Laegrim - Laegel. Thus, Galadhrim - Galadhel. There are some exceptions, nothrim - nostel, comes to mind. I think, the singular edhel has a regular plural as the edhil because it is not a nationality per se, but more like gender. I also think this sort of thing is only appropriate for elven folk (because 'el' is the root for eldar etc.) and mortal groups like Rohirrim would not become Rohirel. More likely, Rohir. This is indirectly related to Elrohir's name begin appropriate for a half-elven. More than you wanted I know... but that's me when I get to rambling. Author Reply: I think Celebrian just thought it would suit him. And be different. I don't think Galadriel would be too bothered. I wonder what dye they would have used ... google will probably come in handy again. I see a sort of colourless hair - it would look blond if you were wearing dark colours, be sort of shadowy with greenish hints under the shade of trees - I wanted Laerwen blondish to make Legolas more likely to have his father's colouring. Oh well - it's all in the imagination! Dark dark for the Noldor - Mediterranean dark, but Teleri more Northern European. I don't think either Elerrina and Legolas are going to be really comfortable about anything until they concede that they will have to face down the opposition and fight for a life together. Galadhel, huh? It sounds a bit funny - but I expect I'll get used to it! Thanks.

Redheredh	Reviewed Chapter: 5 on 5/2/2006
Things are moving along if slowly, but the pace suits me just fine. :) Hmm, Elrond is Elu's heir, literally ? Do you see him as the elder brother? And Celebrian is of technically of his brother's house. But I guess, it depends on whether you see Elmo as his dependent or supporter. I take the latter. ;) But he was, he found, unwilling to put his theory to the test. Yeah, Celeborn - or Galadriel - might take affront at Haldir's obstinance. :D This whole bit with Haldir was great! For sure, he is a march warden and not a courtier. But, RED! Tsk, really... And he is fair-haired?! Oh Well. The ladies exerting their power was very welcome! I think I like Calisse very much for her "cluless"-ness. Rather in the "Legally Blond" mode, eh? btw, exactly whose eyes are greenish? Fishing, target practice, hunting... the ellyn have to prefer their forums to the dance floor. ...off to lands that no-one else wants. That is one thing that happened to Native Americans. However, Finrod seems very confident that will not happen, but then he knows more than his is generously saying even at this point. ooo, Jealous Legolas! Heh! A very enjoyable scene with Camentru&Nismalote and a very tense scene with Elerrina&Linevende. We can see that though there is understanding, both ellith would advise Ellerrina very differently. This too could cause her to prolong her final decision about Legolas, I think. Though, I am glad you are examining Taryatur's problem with Legolas himself a bit more plainly. Mothers and daughters together. It is good that Celebrian is there to wait with Galadriel instead of her being, more or less, all alone. I saw it coming and I almost yell out loud at the page - Don't put you hand in your hair, fool! LOL! Litheredh, yay! Please keep him coming back. He has turned out to be of good assistance to Legolas. And teaches another good lesson in economics and ethics, too. When the time is ripe. Clever allusion, that. ;) Please keep it coming! Author Reply: Well - three hundred years, you know. And a lot of ground to cover - people to represent, family objections to consider. The pace is going to be fairly slow. I have never been forced into a decision as to whether Elros or Elrond was older - but Elrond is his direct descendant in these lands - and the elves might feel differently about mortal descendants. Then, of course, elves - for all their reputed equality - seem to apply Salic law when it comes to descent in the female line, which complicates matters. On the other hand, Haldir might well decide that discretion is the better part of valour - and that his lord's wife and daughter can command in his absence. He's not a courtier - but I would think Galadriel is prepared to do his thinking for him and - er - guide him. And not RED red. Very dark red. To set off his light hair. Might cause a lifted eyebrow from Celeborn when he arrived. Not very Galadhrim - but Haldir's in no position to object. (Light hair - the sort of shade that takes on colour from what's around it.) And, tied in with the Salic law bit, male and female might be a bit more equal among elves than among men, but I don't see many ellyth in positions of political power. I'm sure they would rather enjoy circumventing male schemes. Elerrina is greenish-eyed. (That started when she was first mentioned. They've become more greenish-grey now.) Boys' toys. Boys' games. They're much happier with them. And it's one way of getting them away from listening ears. I think the Silvan would be worried that they were being offered something wrapped in really fancy paper, that turned out to be very disappointing. Finrod probably does know more than he is revealing - but that's politics. Poor Legolas - Elerrina is just more comfortable with Haldir. She can be friends with him, since she's not longing to do ... other things. Nisimalote is younger and more romantic - and Linevende (and Elerrina, come to that) don't want to hurt Taryatur. And Linevende is right that she needs to think her way through the complications of the relationship - elves can't pop to Reno for a quick divorce if things don't work out. And being soul partners is still not going to work if you can't deal with each other's experiences or live in their world. I hope Legolas gets the honey out of his hair quickly - it could make a nasty mess. Berry is proving a good friend - which is good. Legolas is beginning to settle to his role, I think, and his friends are helping. Thank you. I'm glad you're enjoying it! By the way: one Noldo, lots of Noldor; one Sinda, lots of Sindar... Is there a singular noun for one of the Galadhrim?

thechevin	Reviewed Chapter: 5 on 5/1/2006
This was one of those chapters where you need to read it at least six times to catch all the nuances and hints as to where everything is headed, and still you miss something vital! Celebrian and Galadriel have it seems got Haldir organised whether he wishes it or not, I thought Elrond's advice spoke of experience Then there were the Elleth protection agency, Haldir has no chance with them, although his dance with Ellerina did not seem to set well with Legolas! Finrod's fishing expedition was also successful even if he didn't catch any fish. Elerinna and her mother seem to have finally discussed what the problem is between Legolas and Taryatur even if Legolas doesn't know it yet and Legolas and the bees, well he was rather pooh like wasn't he but I am glad there was a little encouragement for him at the end. Great update Author Reply: Oh yes. Elrond's wisdom includes not arguing with Celebrian when she tells him he looks good in blue. Don't argue over things that don't matter to you - I think it could be summed up like that! Haldir is going to be the face of the Galadhrim, whether he likes it or not - and, to give him his due, he will put up with it. Galadriel is quite capable of pushing their cause, but they do need someone to be seen as their representative, as she is not. She'll keep control of the politics, though. Taryatur won't be much fonder of Haldir than he is of Legolas, but at least Haldir isn't Oropher's grandson! And Elerrina is easier and more relaxed in his company, because she doesn't have all those nerve-endings zinging at her. Finrod and Legolas are moving cautiously - but, being the Blessed Realm, they are moving with good will towards a satisfactory solution. Elerrina needs to know why her father objects - and she and her mother are both keen to protect Taryatur. (I doubt he realises how much they try to cosset him.) In a way, understanding his objections makes it even more likely that Elerrina would try to resist the attraction. Not that she will succeed, but at least she will not be completely blind to the possible shadows left by living in a world at war. Poor Legolas! I hope he gets the honey out of his hair soon - it's sticky stuff! He is doing a good job of trying to keep on top of everything and deserves a bit of encouragement. Thank you. The next chapter is coming a bit more slowly, but it won't be too long delayed!

Fire	Reviewed Chapter: 5 on 5/1/2006
Poor Haldir, I'm sure that Galadriel has a good point of saying that Haldir would like to disappear into the woods for a couple of centuries when Celeborn arrives :) He's far beter at handeling orcs than elleths. But Galadriel has at least provided somekind of protection for him, I would love to see just how she gets Noldor elleth to work for her. I loved the conversation of Calissë and Haldir. I can just see him look at her with total dispair in his eyes, thinking to himself: how the Valar do I get out of here? Legolas finds himself on the receiving end of Finrod's consealt teasing about Haldir and Ellerina, I know you said he would leave the medeling to his wife and sister, but I think he just can't help himself. The scene between Camentur and Nisimalotë was hilariously funny, espesccialy the end.... ellyth making the ellon wait... ;) I can really picture her face at that remark. Seeing Ellerina at work is good fun, it makes her an much more whole character to see. Her conversation with Linevendë is reaaly nicely written. It explain more of how Taryatur sees everything Her naneth's remark about not letting her heart rule her head makes it even harder for her Ellerina, and I for one thought it to be a low blow of Linevendë. It's nice to see Legolas doing something else and making a mess of himself doing it, sounds like an elf we all know to well :) I can't wait for the twins to get there, the Blessed Realm will never be the same with the three of them together ;) Author Reply: Haldir has a strong sense of duty, though - and, you never know, he might turn into a real ladies' elf! Or not. Galadriel is the High King's daughter - so would be bound to end up with a bevy of maidens attending her. I reckon she would go out of her way to choose those who were rather more strong-minded and individual. They're not doing anything that detracts from their Noldor roots - and is it their fault that elven politics seems to overlook girl-power? You never know, Galadriel might even be grooming some of them to strengthen Noldor/Galadhrim ties through marriage. Maybe. Actually, I can see Calisse looking at Haldir with despair, too. His disinterest must be a bit snubbing! And it's not as if he's a good dancer, either. Finrod - not being directly involved - can see that there might be advantages to a match between Legolas and Elerrina. And he's male. How could he not tease? Teasing is a sign of liking someone! Nisimalote is currently doing the character development thing that seems to attack minor characters half-way through a story! It's a good thing for Camentur that his wife is actually very fond of him - because those were fightin' words! Bonding for elves really is for ever - I think Linevende is being sensible to tell her daughter to take enough time to be certain before making any commitment. It's very easy to see what you want to when you're that attracted to somebody - Elerrina has to know whether she is willing to understand the darker side of Legolas. I don't think his experiences have affected him as badly as Taryatur's did him. Legolas grew up east of the sea and has known the good as well as the bad - but he has experienced many things that Elerrina never will, and she would be silly not to realise it. It's one of those duties of leadership, isn't it, to put yourself in the position of planting a tree or having a go at throwing a pot or something. Helping with the honey harvest isn't too demanding - just sticky. And he didn't get chased by bees! Thank you. There's probably still another century or so before the twins arrive. But time passes quite quickly in the Blessed Realm, so things will probably start to hot up soon.

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