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Interrupted Journeys: Part 1 New Journeys  by elliska 3 Review(s)
BodkinReviewed Chapter: 12 on 8/27/2004
This was a fantastic way to come back from my trip. I love your characters - and their stories. The twins are just gorgeous, too. So enjoyable.

French PonyReviewed Chapter: 12 on 8/23/2004
Who knew that the great Elf Lords and Ladies were such yentas? It's a good thing Thranduil's grandmother, whoever she may be, isn't around -- he'd be dressed up and married before he left Lorien.

I like the characterization of Elrond as inoffensive. When I first read The Hobbit, back in the Reagan years, that was kind of how he struck me. Wise and remote and Zen, like he really couldn't be bothered unless he found something especially interesting. I thought Thranduil was much more interesting. And he's in fine fettle here, so protective of his independence, but consciously trying not to give in to what is probably his natural inclination towards isolationism. He's clearly smart as a whip, and teaching himself how to do diplomacy as he does it.

Elladan and Elrohir are a cute enough device, though I think they talk in unison just a little too much. I've never met a real set of twins who ever did that. It's a nice touch that Thranduil can't tell them apart if they move and just sees them as "the child on his lap" or "the child not on his lap." They do seem accustomed to being petted and loved, but they are also quite spoiled. Crawling into the laps of strangers without even a by-your-leave! My sister and I would have gotten a sharp scolding if we ever did that with someone who wasn't family. It does seem a little odd that Elrond didn't at least try to teach them at least that much in the way of manners.

Ah well. The twins live in a very safe place, and Legolas will likely have a much more disciplined upbringing. He'll not crawl into anyone's lap uninvited, that one.

Author Reply: I am sitting with my laptop in a public place getting wireless internet from who knows where and I read this review--and burst out laughing. People around me are moving away from me because they think I am insane but really I only have a picture in my mind of Elrond and Thranduil singing "Matchmaker, matchmaker make me a match..." I REALLY needed that today. Thanks!

Yes, I would have heard quite a few words if I climbed into a perfect stranger's lap without so much as a 'by your leave' as well! :) But I think Elrond was just relieved to find them and angry they weren't where they were supposed to be--he had bigger fish to fry. And yes, I think Elladan and Elrohir probably had a much more spoiled and innocent childhood than poor Legolas did. They were undeniably born in times of peace.

I agree with your analysis of Thranduil--I think given his father's move east and the Silvan elves disinterest in meddling with other's affairs, he would be isolationist. But I think he'd see some value to at least limited cooperation after the war, especially if he thought Sauron wasn't completely destroyed. And I do think he would be smart as a whip picking up things like that. Thanks for the review!

daw the minstrelReviewed Chapter: 12 on 8/23/2004
I'm sorry RL has interfered with your writing because I'm enjoying this story. I liked seeing Thranduil becoming more comfortable with Elrond. And the romance is coming along nicely.

Author Reply: Yes, I really do believe that Thranduil and Elrond would at least get along given some time. There is actually another interaction between them towards the end of New Journeys that is cute (if I can say so in modesty) too. RL is a problem :( The story is written. I could at least post the rest of New Journeys but I only have Internet for a few more hours and I need to get some things ready to leave and I just cannot make myself post anything without taking the time to read it one more time. There just isn't enough time. But I will get back to it asap.

Daw--I want to thank you though. I REALLY admire your stories and it has meant a lot to me that you have reviewed all these chapters. Part of the fun of posting is to see other's reactions--to see what they saw as opposed to what you think you wrote/got across etc. And to have a little interchange via the review function. So thanks.

Indeed, I'll say here that the reason I was anxious to post this on SoA is because I love so many of the stories here and everyone who has reviewed what I've posted so far are some of my favorite authors on this site so that has been quite rewarding and very appreciated. (FYI--I do review your stories as well. I just am not usually logged in when I do it so I guess it shows up with no name.:) )

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