News Resources
Login
Become a member
Help
Search
|
|
| About Us News Resources
Login
Become a member
Help
Search
|
|
|
| Sweet Woodbine by Bodkin | 13 Review(s) |
|---|---|
| Larner | Reviewed Chapter: 8 on 12/19/2006 |
| Ah, the joy of finding that the love is given now and no longer held back, only to have to suffer fools about him. And Haldir is aware some of their folk are being called to their own place across the mountains. News that in the end will please Thranduil and Celeborn as they, too, find themselves called further westward to the place unfolding for the children of the forests of Ennor. Author Reply: Patience! I suppose it might come more easily to the immortal ... Or maybe not. And if there are lands across the mountains, there will have been elves drawn to make the journey. The new arrivals would be better for their own place, I think, even if I am of the opinion they should also learn to live in friendship! | |
| Tari | Reviewed Chapter: 8 on 8/9/2006 |
| I adore this story. The thought of Elves, especially Elrond, playing ball had me smiling for the rest of the day. It's sometimes hard to imagine Elves like him having fun at all. They always seem so stern. I love seeing Legolas in a romantic situation. I just might write a story along those lines for my own entertainment. I also find it interesting that the different groups of Elves have trouble getting along. They're acting just like men. Author Reply: Thank you! I do think Elrond had a lighter side - but it took Celebrian a lot to coax it out of him. The poor elf needs some play time - his role in Middle earth was very sobering! But, to a lot of these elves of Aman, Elrond is just a youngster ... which must seem rather strange when you're about 6500 years old. I didn't want to write romantic Legolas for a long long time - and side-stepped the issue by starting off with a married Legolas who rapidly acquired children. But he just wanted to tell his story of how he suffered for love! I find it very difficult to imagine Aman as a place of spiritless bliss - there are far too many far too determined and single-track minded elves there for life to be that peaceful! Even if they are all working with the best of intentions. I'm glad you're enjoying the story - thanks for reading. | |
| lwarren | Reviewed Chapter: 8 on 7/19/2006 |
| Prologue - 'In Which a Reader Gets Carried Away'.... Part the first - 'Giving the Wood-Elf a Piece of His Mind' - I must say that Taryatur has become the expert at dragging his heels, even when presented with a fait accompli! I had been wondering how Elerinna's adar would take the 'hot gossip' of the infamous dance between his daughter and that 'wood-elf'. LOL He did not disappoint me! I am glad, tho', he finally agreed to allow Legolas to 'court' Elerinna. I suppose even a crumb (and rather a large one, in Taryatur's sight) is better than nothing! :-) Part the second - 'Not Quite What They Seem' - in which Litheredh discovers that one cannot tell a pepper by its cover! LOL An object lesson - as a teacher I do so appreciate them and this one is very effective. I am very much coming to like this innkeeper. He is extremely careful about not appearing to take sides, but he always gives Litheredh some very sage advice. Isn't this the first time anyone investigating the troublemakers thought to look amongst the wood-elves for the instigator? (I detect Ministan's fine hand stirring the pot, I think.) Part the third - 'Welcome to the Family' - in which Legolas has an enlightening conversation with his sensible brother-in-law-to-be and Camentur avoids a ruthless kin-shunning! The very thought of Elerrina putting slugs in Camentur's boots and pepper in his tooth powder had me howling! She is a dangerous elleth, yes indeed! (I loved the 'mindless stage' comment too! Ahhhhhh, young love.....how.......stirring! :-) or maybe not so young!) Part the fourth - 'I Have No Talent For This' - or how Legolas discovered he has not one scrap of talent for blowing glass! I loved this interlude, with Legolas trying to understand something Elerinna loves by actually doing it himself. So endearing...that unrecognizable blob! The discussion that follows concerning Gimli and Legolas' time in Middle-earth was a very important moment between these two. Elerrina needs to understand how his life is so very different from hers, and perhaps through their talks, Legolas might gain some insight into why her father is so afraid of him. You also create such a sensual tension between these two, Bodkin. It's very understated, yet very, very, very THERE! Part the fifth - 'Give an Ellon a Ball...' - or in which Galadriel and Celebrian enjoy a pleasant, if longing-filled talk of those yet to come to Aman. I heartily agreed with Celebrian here - it was so good to see Elrond happy and at play! Part the sixth - 'Go West, Young Elf!' - or in which Haldir finds himself witness to an amazing occurence! I cannot help but feel that all the land and forest to the west has been there, but kept out of sight and inaccessible until the elves of Ennor were ready to enter. Has Legolas' mother been rehoused by this time and found her way there yet? I must confess time is not my strong point! LOL I loved the mystery and magic of this section of the chapter - I got chills just reading it! Part the seventh - 'The Heir of the House of Oropher' - or the funny thing about oaks and their acorns! I loved that Legolas finally let that side of him show forth - I'm sure there was nothing like rank fawning stupidity to bring if out, especially if they were speaking against his Elerrina. Again another wise, insightful conversation with Litheredh being his usual kind, calm self. What a great chapter, Bodkin - sorry this review is so long, but if you insist on writing such wonderful stories, it is really all your fault if your readers get make your eyes cross with overly long reviews! :-) linda Author Reply: Hi Linda! Taryatur's not keen - but I think they're beginning to wear him down! And once Legolas and Elerrina are side by side they will find it easier. And I rather like the inn-keeper. I'm not sure the Wood-elves would think to look in their own ranks - they're pretty sure that the Noldor are the big bad wolves that it might take a bit of a shove to make them turn that way. Camentur is fond of his little sister and knows what's best for him! He and Legolas could be good friends, I think, given the opportunity. Although I suspect Taryatur won't make it easy! I reckon even someone with talent would take a good few goes at glass-blowing to realise it - and Legolas doesn't really have much inclination. And now even Taryatur will grudgingly allow them to spend time together, they can talk and learn from each other about the earlier part of their lives - and Elerrina will have to learn more than Legolas I think! She has led a very sheltered life and even though she was born considerably earlier than he was, she is unaware of many of the things he takes for granted. Although he has to learn to accept her different experience and not belittle her for not being a war survivor. (I don't think he will - but there will be times in the future when the twins, Legolas and Miriwen will just look at Elerrina and Sirithiel in bemusement because they just don't know - and never can.) I think there is so much sensuality and sexual tension in a touch or a brush against each other - and, actually, that it is far more erotic than a lot of frenzied coupling! Playing will be good for Elrond. I always think he didn't play enough as a child and hope that Glorfindel and Celebrian made him spend a lot of time enjoying the youth of his own children. And the missing family will come. When they're ready. It was a good thing that Haldir was there. He's seen something - and, what is more, he's understood it ... sort of. It might have been a good idea to tell the elves what was going on rather than just leave them to hear the siren call - but it's probably quite good for them to work it all out for themselves. They'll value the outcome more! Legolas has always been a quite quiet and amiable elf - but he can do it if he wants to. He can don the Thranduil stare and the Oropher imperiousness - and his opponent will remember just how good he is with that bow and take a step back! I'm glad you enjoyed it, Linda. And it's a lovely review. A pleasure to read and respond! | |
| Kitty | Reviewed Chapter: 8 on 6/26/2006 |
| How good to see Taryatur *finally* accept the inevitable and to consent at least to a courtship! It was about time! Loved the conversation between Legolas and Camentur. I had always liked Camentur, and now I’m becoming increasingly fond of him. And it was good to see how much Celebrían and Galadriel care for Elrond. He has suffered so many losses and too early in his life, as Galadriel pointed out and deserves to be happy now. As for their opinion about Thranduil, that is interesting. Author Reply: He's still going to drag his feet as much as he can! And I think part of the reason L&E will accept it is that Legolas really wants to wait as long as he can for his father to arrive. Not that he is at all sure that that will get him paternal approval! I am getting increasingly fond of all Elerrina's family - including her grouchy old dad! But Camentur is a good elf - and I like to see bonds growing between the kindreds! And elves playing cannot but be a good thing... Celebrian was healed and herself when her mother and Elrond arrived - and I think it was just as well. They both needed a lot of care. Elrond trusts her and has opened himself to her as he has to no-one else, really. It's a good thing that she has inherited her parents' strength, even if she channels it differently. And I reckon Galadriel has always given Elrond credit for being the elf he is - he is descended from her Uncle Fingolfin and her mentor Melian (and Elu) and ally Luthien - and she has enough insight to see the remarkable person he is. He does deserve happiness in the BR - and I think he will be closer to it once his sons make up their minds and come home to their parents. Thranduil - well, he doesn't care that much for Galadriel. (I think she's a bit too political for him - in a masculine way. He prefers his ellyth a bit softer.) | |
| elliska | Reviewed Chapter: 8 on 6/7/2006 |
| Poor Taryatur--you can feel sorry for him since he really does love his daughter. And I bet it just drives him insane that Legolas isn't reacting to his glare as he should. A combination of the bliss of love and centuries of dealing with Thranduil just makes Legolas immune though. Brings a thought to mind though--I would love to see Taryatur and Thranduil face off. Talk about looks that would turn people to stone! :-) Legolas remained straight-faced, but Taryatur suspected he was holding back a rather sardonic laugh – in the full understanding that the Sundering Seas might freeze over before his beloved’s atar was willing to see him as anything more than a usurper of Elerrina’s affections. The dry humor like this all through this sequence just made me laugh. And Legolas is such a great character here. I absolutely love how he rings the promise that he can get at the moment out of Taryatur. I just loved this whole thing. And I loved the innkeeper's little lesson. That was very well done. Legolas's conversation with Camentur was also great--Legolas's reactions to Camentur's question (do you regret it) and to the memory of his first kiss with Elerinna were wonderful. And I liked Camentur's observations about his sister. And poor Legolas--new lovers are always so willing to try each other's hobbies/interests but glass blowing is soooo hard. One of the guys I work with used to do it. He talks about it all the time and it sounds fascinating...but poor Legolas. And I loved the comments about Gimli. And the part with Haldir was great! I hope he comes back and tells someone appropriate what he saw. Surely he will. Great chapter Bodkin! Author Reply: Poor old Taryatur - and Linevende, too, come to that - started out as a bit of a joke. But the trouble with characters is that they just keeping on growing and complicating themselves. They love their children dearly - and Taryatur can see all the possibilities for unhappiness and potential difficulties. And is reluctant to look at the things that might make their relationship work. Legolas will be relieved to get Elerrina away from her parents. He knows he's only going to get grudging consent - it'll take a lot before Taryatur forgives him for winning his daughter's heart. Now Camentur actually likes his future brother-in-law and they know each other well enough by now to be beyond formal politeness. I wanted Legolas to show that he is willing to admire and encourage Elerrina in her craft - and that she is skilled. I do love Gimli. One day I must write something with a lot more Gimli in it. It's difficult to keep the other part of the story running - and I don't want pure L/E - Haldir got the responsibility of discovering more! I think he'll tell Galadriel and let her decide who should know more. I'm glad you liked it! Thank you, elliska! It's beginning to come towards the last chapters, I think. After all, Taryatur has almost said yes. Legolas will want to capitalise on that! | |
| Redheredh | Reviewed Chapter: 8 on 6/4/2006 |
| Ah, more progress! Poor Taryatur... not exactly keeping and screaming to the alter, but close enough for him. That innkeeper had me in stitches with the peppers. And poor Litheredh! shows you what not getting acquainted with the local culture can do to you - in a very effective way. ;) Wise Camentur! Yes, always listen to your lady. But, Legolas retort was very witty. Heh, his not knowing what it was like having a sister and being love-blinded. Their conversation was most entertaining. But, the kissing scene was super. So romantic. ...lost in a past that she did not understand. Was this what her atar had meant? She really does care about him, if she is willing to face what her father fears. Guys and sports, hurrah! A loving Finarfin and Earwen, but a lonely Galadriel... Poor Elrond indeed! Her adar's wicked smile? LOL! Good on Galadriel for not doubting Thranduil's loving nature. He just shows it differently than Taryatur. You make me curious about why some elves were draw west and most were not. Who are these travelers that Haldir trails? Are they less allegiant or unallied and therefore need not 'wait' for the right leaders to come along? Avari, perhaps? Reunited pre-journey elves like Bourdain? LOL! The House of Oropher continues in his grandson, after all! ...she is willing to do whatever it takes. I have always liked Elrrina for being the stronger of this pair. At least when it comes to compromise; especially if you compare her with her very reasonable husband, who takes his princely duties seriously. ;) (Can't wait for Leggy's ada to show up *wicked smile* and meet his future in-laws. If they get past their children's future, they will find their past rather more of a bond than bother. Methinks.) A very nice chapter, all around. Author Reply: Thank you, Redheredh! No, Taryatur isn't keen - but I think he has begun to accept the inevitable. And as long as Elerrina is exquisitely happy, he will suppress his desire to stamp on various parts of Legolas. He has achieved a stay of execution, too - they will not rush into things, but wait for Thranduil's arrival. The inn-keeper's shenanigans came to me while I was driving to my mother's and I had to stop the car to write them down. (I remembered that a certain elf was a product of the Greenwood, even if only briefly - and, even if he never features in this story at all, he will be around in the future.) Camentur and Legolas get on well, I think. He doesn't come with Taryatur's baggage and he is genuinely interested in the world. And has learned enough over the few years he's been married to know that there are some times it is not wise to confront your wife! And here again, I think (looking more from the parental point of view) Taryatur is right. Kissing is one thing. The little shivers when eyes meet. But marriage is living with the whole person - and Elerrina needs to know the whole of the elf she would marry. And he needs to know and understand her. But they are both willing to learn. Galadriel is happy to be reunited with Celebrian and her family - but seeing happy partnerships must increase her longing for a certain dilatory elf to get his skates on - although she understands his reasons enough to forgive his delay. (Possibly unlike her father.) And she knows Thranduil loves Legolas - I don't think that Thranduil / Galadriel get on particularly well but there is a touch of game in it. They're too old and too wily to invest real dislike in something so long-past. As to who goes west - I haven't really thought it out. Those with no ties, perhaps. Those to whom Laerwen is THE Queen. Those who are most closely attuned to the song. Or perhaps the most adventurous - the ones who have no wish to be led. Those who are finishing a long-interrupted journey. (My thoughts may become clearer in time.) Females - including elven females - seemed to have to make the switch to become part of their husband's house, so compromise is demanded of them. And Elerrina would, on marriage, become not just a Wood-elf, but a princess - and (until Laerwen rejoins Thranduil) First Lady of Legolas's people. She would have more to learn than most. But Legolas will do his best to support her all the way. The clash of the Titans... Well - not next chapter. But I suppose Taryatur and Thranduil will have to meet eventually. And Taryatur might well find that meeting other war veterans is quite therapeutic. In the end. | |
| Ellie | Reviewed Chapter: 8 on 6/2/2006 |
| Yay! There is sort of consent to the intent of courting with a plan to become betrothed. Poor Leggy with all of the turmoil surrounding this realtionship. Love his respect for her and her work. Another fine chapter! Keep up the good work! Author Reply: A step forward, I think. Taryatur isn't keen - but he knows he is onto a loser when it comes to keeping Elerrina and Legolas apart. Slowing it down enough to give them time to know each other is the best he can hope for. And hopefully he'll be won over to his prospective son-in-law in the end. Thank you. More soon. | |
| thechevin | Reviewed Chapter: 8 on 6/2/2006 |
| Poor Tarytaur, how he would love to send that wood elf on his way but his love for his daughter is so strong he can not quite bring himself to do it so he has to give way, reluctantly but honestly. Legolas and Elerrina have so much to face, not just her parents but so much prejudice and it seems it is not just the Noldor who are intent on putting a stop to their bonding I do like the insights Galadriel brings to the whole affair and her comments on Thranduil Haldir's visitors are fascinating I can't wait to find out more Author Reply: Taryatur would rather tolerate Legolas than drive Elerrina away - but he's not keen! He is right that the situation is more complex than a simple alliance between two of different kindreds though. Galadriel has more idea than most of what they will have to face - although she is probably picturing her own experience rather than theirs. She has a good understanding of others, too. Haldir happened to be in the right place at the right time to seem something illuminating. What he'll make of it all remains to be seen. Thank you - I'm glad you're looking forward to the next instalment! | |
| Nilmandra | Reviewed Chapter: 8 on 6/1/2006 |
| Lots of good stuff in this chapter: Elerrina's parents not being jerks; the acceptance of her brother; the moments alone between Legolas and Elerrina - that was very very well done. You describe the setting and body motions so well. I am curious to know what Haldir is up to. Author Reply: Elerrina's parents aren't keen on the match, but they do want the best for her. It'll just take a few more centuries, probably, for Legolas to convince them that he is good for her. And E&L are beginning to learn more about each other - beyond kissability, that is - which can only help strengthen their relationship. Haldir has spotted what Finrod has already been told. So now, at least, both sides are aware that the drift west is more than it seems. (Always provided Haldir passes the message on...) | |
| Fire | Reviewed Chapter: 8 on 6/1/2006 |
| Yeah, now we're really getting somewhere. The two of them can at last get to know eachother better without Ellerina's adar bugging them all the time. He still doesn't like it, but he has given in to her desire. Only now there's still the Silvan elves that have to learn that their prince can be just as forcefull as his ancestors. Though some allready did :) I loved Camentur's advice to Legolas: ‘a sensible elf always accepts his wife’s wisdom. And: you might not wish to believe this, but Elerrina can be dangerous to cross!’ I think he knows his sister very well and she will surprise a lot of people when they get to know her. I've once had the chance to work with glass and it is much harder than it looks when someone else does it, so I know what Legolas is going through. It takes a lot of practice, just like mending your own weapons. They do find it hard to stop themselves after having to control their feelings for so long, and I can understand that very well. I loved Galadriel and Celebrian talking while watching the ellyn play ball. Galadriel has a very good point when it comes to Thranduil, I believe he'll surprise everybody except her. He'll probably surprise Legolas as well. Haldir is about to find out more about the Blessed Realm than he'd ever thought possible, I can just feel it. The elves he's tracking allready feel the call of the world beyond the mountains, the rest will follow. Author Reply: They have more problems on their mind than just Elerrina's father - but they have now openly admitted to each other that they care and been given (grudging) permission to get to know each other as sweethearts. They will feel a great deal better about life, even if there are other complications to face. Brothers! I don't think Camentur has revealed all about his little sister - but he and Nisimalote are definitely in favour of this romance. Working glass sounds really difficult - and reading about it definitely doesn't reveal how hard it is. Having a go is one of those 'sharing' things people attempt when love is new - but I think that on the whole he will leave this to Elerrina. At least he could see some practical use to basic smithing skills ... (although I suspect Gimli wouldn't have risked letting Legolas work on his own weapons.) Galadriel knows Thranduil doesn't like her much - but she's clear-sighted enough to recognise his good points and generous enough to admit to them. Elves were sneaking over the mountains for a good long while before the new realms were opened up - Finrod had become aware of it and now Haldir knows, too - and that's fair enough. | |