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The Secret of Dog Lake by The Karenator	9 Review(s)
elliska	Reviewed Chapter: 1 on 3/20/2005
I am having a really good time looking at your stories! A couple of things strike me about this one. First, I am really impressed at how you transition between Celeborn's telling of the story and the character's in the story telling it (their dialogue). That was so smooth and that is so hard to do. Second, I loved Elrond and the other adults jumping in and reminding Haldir to keep the story age appropriate. A couple of times (especially 'drinking his tea') that really cracked me up. Third--the scary story was just plain good. Geez, it had me rushing to read faster to see what would happen. And I have a soft spot for stories with animals so it was a double pleasure. Great story! Author Reply: Elliska, I was just looking back on reviews because I got one the other day from an old story. I don't recall ever getting this one. Obviously, I didn't reply and it's from March of 2005! I'm so sorry! And embarrassed. I'm so pleased you liked this. I wrote it on a lark for a challenge on a Yahoo group that I read occasionally. I posted a comment on a 'ghost story' thread the owner had started and she asked me to write a story for the challenge. So I did. I'd even forgotten about this one. When I wrote the ghost stories for meckinock and Nilmandra, I was thinking I'd never written one before, but, well...wrong. This turned out to be a fun story to write. I enjoyed writing the elves of Lothlorien. That was new. I also enjoyed creating my own 'ghost story'. Poor girl. She had a tough time. The challenge gave it it's name, so I had to come up with a reason it was called 'The Secret of Dog Lake'. Not that I wanted anything to happen to the dog, but I like the idea that he loved the girl so much, he joined her in the lake and stayed by her side for eternity. What a devoted fellow. Gee whiz, I'm sorry I'm so tardy. But thanks! Thank you for reading and reviewing. And for still speaking to me. :>)

Rhapsody	Reviewed Chapter: 1 on 3/7/2005
What a beautiful little tale! I had to laugh so many times, poor Haldir, being seen as married to his work. A squeal of absolute glee escaped the twins as they launched themselves at the marchwarden and his brothers. Haldir swung Elrohir high into the air as his brother, Rúmil, peeled a laughing Elladan off his older brother’s legs. In one swift motion, Rúmil held a giggling, wiggling elfling tucked under his arm. When I read this I could so easily imagine how this looked like! I have a soft spot for these little elflings. “And they should not,” her mother said. “A child can often see what others do not. Haldir’s heart is open to a child.” This is so well put! I have to admit that while I read it I had to think of how the evil man could have been Celegorm, the maid Luthien, the young man Beren and the dog Huan. Especially since the man insisted to be wedded to the maid and that he destroyed all that was dear to her. Since you are not mentioning it, I guess that is a bit farfetched. Yet this was a great read! Thank you for writing it. Author Reply: Hi Rhapsody, It's always a pleasure to get a review on an older story. What a nice surprise. I'm very glad that you enjoyed this tale. It's a little off my beaten path, but I did it because I was invited to join in a challenge. Titles were given and the authors had to choose one and then fit the story to the title. I have to admit that while I read it I had to think of how the evil man could have been Celegorm, the maid Luthien, the young man Beren and the dog Huan. Especially since the man insisted to be wedded to the maid and that he destroyed all that was dear to her. Since you are not mentioning it, I guess that is a bit farfetched. I wish I had thought of that, but the truth of the matter is that I did not. I'm afraid my whole process was a bit simpler; I had to write a story about a dog and a lake. If there's a parallel, then it's just coincidence. I'm going to have to go back and reread the story of Beren and Luthien now. I remember very little about it, but you've sparked my interest. I'm really pleased that you enjoyed this story, and I'm especially pleased that you took the time to review. Thank you. Karen

Werecat	Reviewed Chapter: 1 on 1/22/2005
Karen, that was absolutely delightful! I usually do not care much about elves, but this was a very sweet story. Apart from the legend itself, I found the exchange between the elves a joy to read, especially the adults' interventions so Haldir would give the twins the PG version of the story. And the dowry bit made me chuckle. Thank you for this delightful little tale. You put a smile on my face. Werecat Author Reply: Thanks for stopping by and reviewing, Werecat. This is sort of an oddball story that I wrote on a whim for a challenge on a Haldir site that I drop by from time to time. I was invited to join in this challenge and I did! :>) We had to choose from a list of titles and then make the story fit the title. I've never done anything like this before and enjoyed doing something off my beaten path. But I have to admit, I'm a little mortified that this is the story that you read. I like it, but it's so...not me...not really. Of course, the good thing to come out of it is that you enjoyed it. That makes me feel better. Thanks for reading it and most of all, thanks for the nice review. I'll see you where the kitties roam and fur flies. Comet and Snickers send their best purr. Thanks again, Karen

washow	Reviewed Chapter: 1 on 11/24/2004
I loved this story! It was wonderfully written and fun to read. It is a shame you don't post at fanfiction.net as well as stories of arda because then I could include this tale is the C2 group I manage (hint hint). Let me explain the character of the C2 group so you can decide if it is worth your effort to post this tale at fanfiction so I can include it. A C2 group is sort of like a favorites list only very public. I manage a group which compiles completed, non-slask stories of the lesser known elves (such as Haldir and his brothers). It is incredibly difficult to find non-slash stories of Haldir and there are a lot of people who would like to read them (thus the reason for the C2 group) and I would love it if I could include your story. washow Author Reply: Thank you, Washow. I'm glad that you enjoyed my story. It was fun for me to write. A little off my beaten path, I'd say. But then, I can never resist a good ghost story. Thanks for the invite over to FF.net and the kind invitation to be included in your C2 group. I've not tackled FF.net yet since it seems to have multiple problems, and I'm not particularly computer savvy. IOW, I'm more afraid of FF.net that the ghost of a girl and a dog roaming around an eerie lake. But I will look into it. Once I get this turkey laid to rest tomorrow, I'll see if I can figure out to join and post. I'll let you know if I figure it out. Thanks again for reading and reviewing. I truly appreciate you taking the time. Karen

Bodkin	Reviewed Chapter: 1 on 11/22/2004
I love this story - it's full of so many lovely unspoken messages all being passed over the heads of the oblivious young. Celeborn saying he had to pay a dowry to get Elrond to take Celebrian off his hands is so funny - as is the twins' confusion. (You don't often get Celeborn joking.) 'I was often the dragon in need of slaying, and Naneth was not squeamish.' I can believe that, somehow! So typically elfling to want to know the name of the dog in preference to the people! Very clever. Author Reply: I think you're right; there was more to this story than ended up in the elfling version. And yes, the adults were using a communication system all their own. I kind of like the idea that Celeborn had a dry sense of humor. Wouldn't you have to find some humor in the world when you're stuck until the end of time? I would think if nothing else, the elves certainly had to observe the absurdity of men and well...that's usually pretty funny. The dog's name is far more important than the girl or boy's name. They were just sidekicks for the pooch. My boys would not have been interested in the least in the yucky love stuff, but the dog... Thanks for reading and for taking the time to review. It's always a pleasure to her from you.

daw the minstrel	Reviewed Chapter: 1 on 11/22/2004
I love the idea that Galadriel was "not squeamish" about slaying the dragons in Celebrian's mischief. I'll bet she wasn't. The three brother were a delight, playing with the kids and then teasing one another. Elrond and Celeborn apparently believe Haldir when he says some of his stories are not kid-friendly. And ooh. I can't find Dog Lake on my maps either, so it must small! I looked up Randir. Pilgrim or wanderer. Celeborn is wicked to tell the twins that he had to pay Elrond to take their mother off his hands! But he did make me laugh at the end. This was a great story, Karen. I was as entranced as the elflings. Author Reply: I don't imagine Galadriel was afraid to point out to anyone the errors of their ways. In my mind though, she was a good mother. You must not have the local AAA map. Really, it's there. Oh wait! That's just a coffee stain. Randir...the Elvish version of 'Rover'. I looked up Spot, too, but it was 'Peg' and that, I thought, might be too obscure for anyone to get. I figured most people could break down Mithrandir and figure it out. My dad has always joked that he had to pay Alan to take me off his hands. At least, I think it's a joke... Thanks for reading and for the nice review. I'm glad you enjoyed the bedtime tale. I had fun with writing it. Thanks again.

meckinock	Reviewed Chapter: 1 on 11/22/2004
Tell Haldir he's not allowed to tell bedtime stories at my house anymore, either. "Fluff", indeed! Seriously, Uncle Haldir was a hoot; especially with the background Greek chorus of Elrond and Celeborn's warning grunts. Typical non-child-owning sensibilities. Reminds me of the look I got when I asked a friend of mine if he was taking his five-year-old to see Batman. Happy Birthday! Author Reply: I was afraid my sword-wielding beta would run screaming into the wilds with a bedtime story dropped on her doorstep. Yeah, poor Haldir was not accustomed to cleaning up his tales for little ears. But he had guidance. He would have taken the twins to see Batman and thought it was perfectly acceptable. It's a comic, right? Thanks for your help and thanks for the birthday wish. I was sort of hoping to ignore this one... I don't feel this old. How did this happen? I know...no one has pushed me off a cliff...yet.

Jay of Lasgalen	Reviewed Chapter: 1 on 11/22/2004
A sad tale (for the human girl), but fun as well (for the elves). I especially liked the coughed hints to Haldir so he did not get too graphic with his descriptions. I wonder if the twins did get nightmares? Haldir's story wasn't as scary as Glorfindel's tale about the Balrog. Jay Author Reply: I don't think Haldir is accustomed to telling bedtime stories, so his choice of tales was suspect from the beginning. But he had Elrond and Celeborn to signal him if he got too involved in the details. And you're right; The balrog story would be a little too close to home. The thought of that episode gives me nightmares. Thanks for the reading and reviewing.

Nilmandra	Reviewed Chapter: 1 on 11/21/2004
A lovely story, Karen! I enjoyed seeing Haldir have to keep altering his story telling to suit the parents and grandparents. The children, I am sure, enjoyed it scary. Hmm.....you know, I am writing the Celebrian meets Elrond scene. So Celeborn had to pay Elrond, eh? Author Reply: Well...it is a little known fact that Celebrian was such a handful that Celeborn used his considerable talents of persuasion to encourage Elrond to pop the question. Didn't know that did you? That's okay...no one else does either. :>) It was a fun story to write and a nice break from the "story that will not end" that I have been writing and rewriting for months. I'm glad you enjoyed it. Now I know you caught the dog's name! Thanks for taking the time to review!

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