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Reflections from the Paradise of Elves  by Bodkin 9 Review(s)
TiraReviewed Chapter: 17 on 5/3/2007
OMG. Whether intended or not, I cannot stop laughing, or trying to hide said laughter since my child is asleep nearby.

Great work so far, I couldn't go on without saying as much. Wonderful.

~Tira

Author Reply: Thank you, Tira. I'm glad you're enjoying the tales! I think it's a good job the twins and Legolas had ... challenges to face in their new lives. We wouldn't want them to get bored!

ArmarielReviewed Chapter: 17 on 10/30/2005
Perfectly adorable. Heheheh that even Elves have to change diapers! There is such a smooth and subtle sophistication to your writing at all times. A delightful series!

Author Reply: Elladan was looking for something to do in these post-orc-slaying days! What better than cleaning up after an infant!

I'm glad you're enjoying these - they have been going some time, but show no sign of wanting to come to an end. They spark off so many other stories, too.

ElerrinaReviewed Chapter: 17 on 6/18/2004
ROFLASC!! Wonderful scenario...and the last line was absolutely inspired *grin* I have a visual :)

Author Reply: I'm glad you enjoyed it.

Such brave elves - except when it comes to smelly babies! I can just picture their wives' reaction to the choice of song - I think it's time for some intensive training in suitable ditties.

JulesReviewed Chapter: 17 on 6/18/2004
This was so cute. I love the idea of those three with the the baby. Elrohir was right about the baby not complaining on their song choices. People always worry and its the sound of voice more than words that matter at that age.

I think the elfling is going to need someone to play with. Who is next. Thranduil needs a Daerelfling. It will be fun to hear the boys complain about how their fathers were strict with them but spoil their kids.

thanks for writing

Jule

Author Reply: The baby doesn't mind - but I think his nana might object. But she seems pretty sensible, so maybe she will just teach them some more suitable songs.

You think more elflings are needed? I think the wives are beginning to hanker after little ones. I'm not so sure about Elrohir and Legolas. After all, if the baby smells worse than putrefying orc, who would want their own?


daw the minstrelReviewed Chapter: 17 on 6/18/2004
My favorite part of this was the baby finally settling down sweetly in Legolas's arms and listening to them sing (even if the song was not what nana would have chosen). There's nothing more gratifying that having an infant look at you trustingly and be enchanted by whatever it is you are doing. I could just imagine their delight.

Author Reply: Yes, I expect they felt very proud of themselves. The womenfolk return and the infant is clean and content.

They were probably a little surprised to be scolded for the nature of the song, but I expect they were instantly trained in suitable lullabies.

Babies are adorable - if expensive)- and I think they have all fallen for this little one's charms. I tend to think this is their first experience of a real physical closeness to infants - they are learning rapidly.

NilmandraReviewed Chapter: 17 on 6/18/2004
Ha! I'd like to think they were more competent than this, but then, I guess they did spend most of their time chasing orcs and few children were born in Imladris. STill, silly elves.

Very good of Miriel to build his confidence in this way, even if it probably only is for an hour and there are a dozen spies nearby!


Author Reply: They have been so busy with big tough male things that they haven't really had much exposure to the delights of infants. First time fathers do seem to be rather of the opinion that the baby will break if they touch it - and they always seem to be awkward when it comes to holding the child and then it cries more. Probably a good thing to leave them in charge and help build up their confidence.

They've never had much of a problem with being covered in mud, orc blood, spider web, dust, slime etc. But take the contents of a baby's nappy / diaper, or a bit of dribble or milk vomit and you would think the end of the world had come.

Silly elves indeed - but they are learning.

Jay of LasgalenReviewed Chapter: 17 on 6/18/2004
Is Legolas to be next to join the ranks of fatherhood? He seems far more at ease than Elrohir. I like the song - any tune will do, the words aren't important. Look at the meaning behind most nursery rhymes! (Rock a bye baby; Ring-a-ring-roses)

Jay

Author Reply: In my head Legolas has been round more Man children than Elrohir - he saw a lot of Eowyn's kids and was there for Arwen's rather more than the twins. He is just a little more experienced in watching it done. This could be the first time he has been around a wailing infant without a safe pair of hands to rescue him though. They coped quite well - but I think Miriwen might give them some instruction in suitable songs before the elfling starts to pick up language skills.

natReviewed Chapter: 17 on 6/18/2004
he he he nice choice of lullabye...aww poor stinky little guy, though i know how the 3 caregivers felt...nothing smells quite like it ::gag::...nice update!

Author Reply: You get used to it when it is your baby - but I know from experience that changing someone else's kid can make you feel pretty nauseous.

I think they felt pretty impressed with themselves when the elfling settled down. Personally I would have suspected he wanted feeding - but they are not really equipped to deal with that!

Rose SaredReviewed Chapter: 17 on 6/18/2004
Well that cheered me up on a wet friday night. snerk. Funny how you can only think of dirty or at least dubious songs when called on in a pinch.
Thanks
Rose

Author Reply: Elladan is still fairly new to the job - and singularly lacking in experience of the yuckier sides of parenthood. After all, the Elrondions would have help in the house - and they would normally ensure the elfling was at his best. I think Miriwen might be a little strong-minded - she couldn't see any reason why adar shouldn't take charge.

Yes, dubious songs tend to pop into your head when you need something instantly - and these three have spent most of their adult lives in male company, so they probably know dubious better than most.

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