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Elflings by Bodkin	110 Review(s)
Kitty	Reviewed Chapter: 12 on 12/17/2005
I loved the insight of the elflings about their grandparents and great-grandparents! lol That was fun! Sometimes I wonder if it would be more frightening or amusing to watch Galadriel and Oropher together! (Out of a sure distance, of course!) ‘So you brought him to my lady?’ Celeborn raised a cynical eyebrow. ‘Some would think that might make matters worse.’ I fear I’m along the ‚some’! But then, the opinion Oropher needs a target makes sense. And maybe it truly helps them to adjust to the situation, so they can stop behaving as elflings ;-) These reminiscences about their childhood reduce even intimidating elven Kings to common elves, don’t they? Somehow they appear more ‚human’, if one can use this term for elves. It is sweet how the elflings try to help their elders to find peace! Really, I’ve enjoyed this chapter very much! Author Reply: If you were at a safe distance, I think it would be rather amusing. I think Celeborn finds it entertaining - but then he is a skilled warrior of endless experience, who knows that, at a pinch, he can get Galadriel to comply with his wishes. Oropher hasn't given enough time and thought to what return would be like, I think. Or maybe he thought about his son, but overlooked the political implications. Galadriel can cope with Oropher and provide him with some privacy - and she and Celeborn live the furthest west, where there are the fewest people to come and gawp at the returned king. A bit of elfling-like behaviour might do them good, too. Childhood is pretty universal - and often provides incidents you really don't want revealed to all and sundry. I have found myself wondering about Oropher's parents. I'm sure they have a story or two! Which Oropher would much rather not hear. (And Galadriel will have returned to Aman to hear about the time when she ...... I suspect there have been times when she has sorely missed being the eldest of the Noldor in Arda, when nobody could bring up embarrassing elfling stories.) The elflings have the best chance of arranging a truce. For one thing, they are too inexperienced to see the difficulties - and for another, their great grandparents are too fond of them to want to hurt them. Given a bit of time and forced friendliness, they might find that the things that have made them cross are actually not divisive. Thank you. I am glad you enjoyed this.

nat	Reviewed Chapter: 12 on 12/16/2005
great chapter! any chance we'll get an expansion on Galadriel and Celeborn's first meeting? hmmm? :) Author Reply: Thank you! Galadriel and Celeborn haven't yet revealed much about their first meeting. But you never know! Sometimes the most unexpected thoughts start off a whole series of ideas. And, come to that, the most unexpected people decide to appear in the depths of the night, demanding their say.

Redheredh	Reviewed Chapter: 12 on 12/15/2005
What a pleasure to finally get to sit down and catch up on the fanfic and find this one waiting! And it has Oropher in it! ;) Complications! But, some very interesting solutions. Laerwen's rather direct approach and such as going to Galadriel to hide away because she could block the energy or at least deter the curious with her reputation. Rather Luthien/simaril that. And the elflings are the perpetrators in much of it! Galadriel's reconciliation with Oropher reminded me of a tea ceremony and burying the hatchet. And there was that special mead... ;) What a wonderful conversation they had! It was heart-rending for you to examine his loneliness without his mate. You did not completely rule out her return last episode, but here you imply that maybe she has not chosen to join him after all. And it was this that tipped the scales in his assessment of Galadriel. Love his realization about his mischevious reaction to her just to hear her squeal! Poor Oropher having to reexamine his life like this instead of walking into bliss in the Blessed Realm. But, having family that does not give up on you is a reward of the best kind. Ya know, you have this talent for creating a scene that is superbly entertaining and revealing without dictating a conclusion. I really loved the little bits of business that you have have the elves distract themselves with, especially dropping the pebble and watching the ripples. Actually, I loved every part of this episode, each encounter and conversation. The kids diagnosing their elders and being taught by them. Their elders learning from them. Just delightful. These elfings are wonderful children, not a brat amongst them. Why and how is that? Please don't answer that by showing me how wrong I am to say such a thing! Well, perhaps Oropher understands - they were all born in Aman. Andatar and andaeradar must meet! Adar will be proven truly heroic, I think. Author Reply: Thank you. I'm glad you were pleased to find it. Laerwen is the only one here to understand the insecurities of returning to the business of life, because she's the only one who has been there and done it. She is very connected to the forest, too, and will have used that connection to ground herself in the now. Oropher would do well to learn from her, but he is a very different character. There had to be some reason why Oropher had been take to visit Galadriel and Celeborn - and I think Galadriel would be better able than any other to ensure that others kept away and gave Oropher time to adjust. They live the furthest west, too, where the population is smallest. And the population that has gathered round them is mostly Galadhrim, who would be more inclined than Mirkwood elves to leave Oropher to have some privacy. Galadriel would have been more than happy not to argue - although that wouldn't stop her getting her back up when Oropher persisted in treating her as if she was the enemy - but Oropher is really not yet recovered emotionally, whatever he might think. His love for Eleniel - and the simple inexperience of the elflings in general - is what made him able to decide to put his resentment aside and behave as if the past is past. Oropher thinks that maybe his wife has chosen not to join him. I don't know that he is right - I think that his need is likely to draw her, insofar as returning is in the hands of those in the Halls. And if Oropher thinks that putting insects down Galadriel's back would make her squeal, he really doesn't understand her very well yet - and his respect for her might well grow as he learns the hidden hoyden behind the flawless image. I don't think it would be bliss returning to life in the Blessed Realm. I reckon it would be very complex - with moment of intense joy to counter the problems. Maybe if all there had returned from the Halls, it would be different, but there are at least four types of elves all living cheek by jowl: elves from the journey, elves born and always living in Aman, those who have sailed and those who have returned from death. And, come to think of it, group 2 elves who went to fight in the War of Wrath. Then, as well, they divide up into all the different Houses and sub-Houses: Vanyar, Noldor, Teleri, Sindar, Lindar, Lasgalen, Lothlorien, Edhellond, Mithlond, Doriath, Gondolin. The place is a hotbed! With potential for all kinds of problems! I'm glad you mentioned the pebbles! Elflings need little guidance - I believe! These are impetuous, headstrong at times, dive into things they don't fully understand, but they are good-hearted kids with great parents and loving extended families. Aewlin and Nimloth were a little cut off from others by their closeness, but they are out-growing it and becoming the kind of kids you would expect of their parents' children. They make mistakes, but they aren't going to turn into monsters! I hadn't thought before how the Taryatur and Legolas dislike must be affecting the children - but the atmosphere must have got through to observant elflings. Taryatur and Oropher. That could be an interesting meeting. Legolas might decide to run, though. It would be like being in the way of a volcano. And I've just had all sorts of interesting thoughts about them. Will it turn into more? Only time will tell!

Nilmandra	Reviewed Chapter: 12 on 12/15/2005
Sometimes you realy make me have to think who each child is referring to when they say 'adar, daeradar, andaeratar etc'... good mind twisting puzzle for my brain to work out, actually. I am glad that Oropher and Galadriel have established some sort of peace, and it is very fitting that it is their greatgrandchildren, born in the blessed realm, that have shown them this. There is no need for the distrust of the past anymore. Although I'm sure, for old time's sake, they will occaisonally remember such events! Author Reply: It is rather mind-numbing when they are all together. Most of the episodes break them up into smaller groups now, but I quite agree the general relationship terms can get muddling. It's like when you are in a shopping mall and a kid cries 'Mom' and half the people turn round. But what else can they call them? Thranduil and Galadriel enjoy arguing with each other - and I think the elflings have realised that there isn't any vindictiveness behind their squabbles - it's just how they are. Even Celeborn only casts up his eyes and ignores them. But Oropher hadn't had the chance to move on - and his hostility was meant. But the elflings managed to make a crack in the attitude - and they will do things for their great grandchildren that they wouldn't do for themselves. They can take the time to move beyond the past. Of course, giggling over the past is highly amusing. And, if Mrs Oropher turns up, he might learn that things weren't always the way he thought they were anyway!

Nilmandra	Reviewed Chapter: 11 on 12/15/2005
This was lovely, Bodkin. I loved seeing through Eleniel's viewpoint.. a chance to see who she is. I love the adolescent years, when they are old enough to talk and express themsevles, but out of the mischief stage. Thranduil managed Elerrina well... and I must say I am not of the Noldor if that is how they are! Wood elf, indeed. But I love this reunion with Oropher. I like that he is still impatient and rushing headlong into things - his core personality has not changed. Seems he needed a little more healing in terms of old grudges and such, but perhaps some of those come at last when confronted with reality. For him to hear his son speaking of the Third Age elves who stood strong against Sauron as his friends regardless of blood.. well, it perhaps shows him what is important and why Thranduil led their people into that age. Having Eleniel there to hug him was priceless.. that was a great ending. Author Reply: Thank you. Eleniel hasn't featured as much as the other elflings and I wanted her to be the focus of this one. She is very calm and reasonable and sweet-natured, so she tends to take a bit of a back seat and be out-shone by Elrohir's naughty twins. Elerrina is very fond of Thranduil, but she has been brought up to abide by convention - and, to a degree, I think she holds on to some of it as self-defence. She has made a lot of changes as part of marrying a Wood-elf, but she doesn't want to reject her family and her past. If only her parents and Legolas could get past their hostility, she might find it easier to relax, but I think she finds it very hard. And some of her expectations are so deeply engrained - that is just what you do. They can be the hardest assumptions of all to change. I can imagine the solemn-eyed advisors suggesting to Oropher that he was rushing his return and needed to talk, while he curled his lip and rushed in - only to find that they were right. Thranduil and Galadriel tend to squabble - but I think it's mainly for entertainment these days - and they have a long history that Oropher can't understand. Yet. But he will learn if he is to settle into the Blessed Realm. Physical contact is so important. And only possible, at that uncomplicated level, with the very young. I'm sure Eleniel doesn't think of herself being that young, but she is happy to provide simple touch and uncomplicated love - which is probably far more healing than decades of counselling.

daw the minstrel	Reviewed Chapter: 12 on 12/15/2005
One the problems of living as long as elves is that the weight of history builds up. But the young ones see no reason the older ones can't be friends. After all, they love them all! The elflings are developing nicely. Author Reply: And elven memory must make it hard to let go of all those little niggles that you remember so clearly from 6000 years ago. Even if returning from Namo's Halls meant that elves managed to dispose of old resentments (and I think Oropher might hang on to them most tenaciously) those who sailed west would still have all the baggage of their experience. It is hard for the young 'uns, though. Especially when the hostility is close to them - like Galenthil and Eleniel's grandparents/adar and its knock-on effect on Elerrina. At least Oropher and Galadriel wouldn't have to see each other much. It might well be seeing the effect of their snarking on the elflings that impelled them to grow up a little - and behave. The elflings are ... elflings. They make mistakes and are sometimes over-confident or headstrong, but they learn quickly - and have good families who guide them wisely. Most of the time. Bon voyage!

elliska	Reviewed Chapter: 11 on 10/30/2005
Ok, long weekend but I am finally back to do the review this deserves... So I am reading along, feeling bad for Eleniel and thinking 'what a nice job Bodkin is doing of showing the differences between her Noldo mum and Woodelf dad.' And then I get to the part with Elerrina and I am smirking away because I just think it is funny as anything to see your Thranduil manage people. He does such a smooth job of leading them to where they are obliged to agree with him/do what he wants. I love that. And he does that so well with Elerrina and she is just so disgusted by it and the fact that resistance is futile. And then this: And I will not interfere,’ Thranduil remarked. ‘I will spend some time with my granddaughter – and then her adar will have returned and he will see what is happening.’ ‘And if he does not?’ his beautiful queen raised an eyebrow. ‘Well,’ Thranduil grinned engagingly, ‘then I might have to poke my nose where it has no business. But I am hoping,’ he said dotingly to his daughter, ‘that your naneth might manage to persuade your sister-in-law to give your niece the freedom to grow in her own way.’ Hehehe--poor Laerwen. He does it to her too. I love Thranduil So at this point, I am just happy as a clam. Then off we go, on horseback, of course--and these elves on horseback is one of my favorite mental images. I am pleased to see Hithien and again I am loving the conversation between her and Thranduil, especially: In which case,’ Thranduil grinned, ‘you would do well to remember which of us is your king.’ Hah! Love it. I also enjoyed Eleniel's thoughts about the 'scratchiness' of growing up under the Noldor constraints and the ensuing conversation with Hithien and then between Hithien and her husband and Thranduil. I really am impressed with how well you are showing the differences between these cultures. Then I get to the part where Eleniel notices that the trees are exicted--and of course I start worrying--Elerrina will skin even Thranduil alive if anything happens to her daughter. And Legolas might help her. And they seem so casual about it, not telling the guards and so on. In the midst of that though, I am very proud of Eleniel's comment: Eleniel wrinkled her nose. ‘It feels dishonest,’ she said, ‘to conspire against her.’ This is a wonderful child. And as the trees' excitement grew, so did mine. I really could not imagine what they were going to find and you had me anxious since the guard fell back and all that. When I read that it was Oropher, you could have knocked me over with a feather! Bodkin that was so wonderful and so perfectly set up and described. I absolutely love their reunion. Is that. . ?’ she murmured through a throat so stiff with tears that she was surprised that any sound came out. ‘Oropher?’ Hithien asked. ‘I believe so.’ A recalcitrant tear escaped her control and trickled down her cheek. ‘Adar should be here,’ Eleniel said. Hithien shook her head. ‘I think perhaps none should,’ she said. Sorry for quoting som much and making such a bigger spoiler in the review but I can't help it--this is so perfect. I am amazed at how well you show the emotion here--it draws the reader into the feelings as well. Equally perfect were the first words that you showed them exchange and then Eleniel's greeting. I loved it. And it just kept on being wonderful--Thranduil's 'exclamation' and the discussion of that; Eleniel's reaction to her daeradar calling someone 'adar.' And I literally gasped at Oropher's reference to Galadriel and burst out laughing at Thranduil's comments about it--poor Oropher, he has some re-learning to do. From It is not easy to change a lifetime’s way of thinking. to the end of that part I went from giggling to nearly crying--I hope you will let Oropher spend some time with his family, but then I do see it is not that simple as you said. He will no more sit back and be ruled than Thranduil would. That is a challenge. But this is a great discussion between them. And I just had to laugh over Thranduil's little problem of his growing entourage--that would so happen and it would be impossible to deal with. Too funny. But every conversation in this was great--Thranduil thinks Legolas is more like his mother in character and she thinks he's more like Thranduil--and Thranduil's response to that! Hilarious. But you are right--his great granddaughter is exactly what Oropher needs to help him settle in. ‘I think it is to do with politics,’ she said. ‘Daeradar rules – but Daernaneth just is.’ Great! Oropher couldn't help but love her. Again, the whole conversation that follows is perfect--I hope Oropher's wife returns (I know you are cringing) and I'm sure it helps Eleniel somewhat to hear her daeradar knows what it is like to grow up in two worlds. And the ending! Bodkin, that was absolutely perfect. This chapter was wonderful! I loved it, every word. Thank you so much! Author Reply: Eleniel is such a reasonable elleth. She is quite right that Aewlin or Nimloth would make sure everyone understood their point - even if their parents then put their feet down - but Eleniel doesn't dislike the training necessary to an elleth of her family, she just wants to spend more time with the forest and not be expected to be well-behaved and sensible all the time and - well, she doesn't know what she wants. Elerrina has done a pretty good job of adopting many Wood Elf ways, but the problem here is assumptions so deep that Elerrina doesn't even know she is putting pressure on her daughter to behave in certain ways. That's just what you do. She'd be horrified, really, to know that she was making Eleniel miserable. Discipline and self-control are one thing - she can't always do what she wants, but this is more than education. Still, Thranduil is on the case - and if Laerwen can't coax understanding while she and Elerrina coo over Celumil, then Legolas will win her round. I like elves on horseback in the forest - even if I do get stuck with wondering whether there will be enough grass - and they enjoy getting away from the routine to commune with trees! And Eleniel is Thranduil's granddaughter (and Laerwen's) - and she is bonded to the forest in a way that no full-blooded Noldor could really understand - she knows something is going on, but also that it's not scary. (Honest, too. Well brought up by her parents and grandparents and assorted helpers. The exact sort of elfling who needs little discipline - gentle guidance is quite enough.) I'm glad you enjoyed the reunion. Such moments have an other-worldly detachment, even for ordinary people - how much more magical must this feel! And yet there is no way that it can be easy. The first hours, perhaps, but they have had three thousand years plus to change - and Thranduil is no longer a son and a prince, but a king who has led his people through appalling difficulties and grown and suffered and learnt in the process. I think they would spend time - years, even - together, but I can't see it lasting for ever, any more than Galadriel would dwell with her adar. They need their independence - and will love each other much more dearly if they have to spend a few days travelling to each other's homes! And space is something they have in plenty in these new realms. And, somehow, I just can't get away from the thought that nothing is that simple! There would be those who wanted to come and goggle - and others who hoped for some kind of advantage - and some, doubtless, who wanted to express their bitterness. And all the complications of where they will sleep and what they will eat and who will police them and entertain them. But I sort of see Oropher as pushing himself to return perhaps before he is really quite ready, because he won't acknowledge any weakness - and this is taking it out of him. He is rehoused - but there is no-one around simply to hold him. His wife has not come back, he has no daughters, he is far too macho to spend much time hugging his son - (it'd be manly shoulder-slapping) - and he needs someone to hold him close and trust him in the way that only a child can. Eleniel is on the edge of being young enough to do that - but she is a kind and intelligent elleth and she can see that that is exactly what is needed. And she is growing up a little more - which will help her to a better understanding of herself and her family and the role she plays in it. Thank you - I am so pleased you enjoyed this.

The Karenator	Reviewed Chapter: 11 on 10/30/2005
Due to computer problems and a healthy dose of too much to do, I've fallen way behind in reviewing, but I wanted to at least tell you how much I enjoyed this chapter. Oropher! What a wonderful surprise. I didn't expect that at all. I love how Thranduil reacted to seeing his father. Eleniel was the perfect choice to go with Thranduil to meet his father. I love Thranduil's reasoning for bringing her: ‘Love uncomplicated by memory,’ his son told him. ‘An offer for the centuries to come.’ Just lovely. Karen Author Reply: Your absence has been noted - and missed. Although I'm glad Ray's Dog managed an outing. Dratted computers! And too-much-to-do! Shouldn't be allowed. Thank you. I'm glad you enjoyed it. Redheredh has been anxious to see Oropher return - and secretly, I've been putting it off a bit. Partly because I don't feel I know him very well, and partly because his arrival is bound to cause all sorts of complications, rows, tight-lipped silences and political strife. More things, too - that's just for starters. But first reunion - how can it not be euphoric. And amazed. And wondrous. I don't know if Thranduil was entirely sure why he took Eleniel - except that she needed a break and a treat - but she was exactly what Oropher needed to help him ground himself in this new world. No complications at all - and - being an elleth - she can hold him and give him that physical connection that is only possible with partners or the young.

Kitty	Reviewed Chapter: 11 on 10/30/2005
Oh, I can sympathize with Eleniel – I am no lady at all, either! I don’t even wear anything other than trousers. It must be difficult for her to live up to the expectations of her naneth, and I suspect her adar would understand her better in some aspects. Thranduil was wonderful in this chapter, how he took his granddaughter with him to save her from boring babysitting and obviously to meet his adar first, too. That was wonderful written, the increasing intensive song of the trees, the reunion of Oropher and Thranduil, how Eleniel comforted Oropher ... I truly hope you will tell us more about Oropher’s arrival and first time in the realm of his son. And of course I wonder how he will react about the friendship between Elrond and Thranduil and between Legolas and the twins, being Noldor as the Peredhil are ;-) Author Reply: Eleniel doesn't mind learning to be a lady THAT much - but she wants the freedom of the forest as well. She is a Wood Elf and she needs to be allowed to develop that side of her personality as well. Her naneth grew up in a very different environment, and although she has fitted well into this life, some of those very deeply ingrained assumptions about behaviour and discipline and training are just followed automatically and without question. If Eleniel were more difficult, I daresay Elerrina and Legolas would have thought about what they were doing - but she is generally quite happy to comply. Thranduil can see the growing pains - and being left behind by her twin is very painful - and did the best he could without interfering in the way L&E raise their children. I'm not sure he knew exactly why he felt impelled to go at first - but he and Eleniel were both needed, I think. Oropher needed someone to hold - and you can't go round spending hours cuddling grown elves just because you really, really need physical contact. I think the reunion could prove quite difficult for all concerned. Oropher, lovely as he doubtless is, is also obstinate, and rather headstrong. Tact is not his middle name! I'm sure more stories will feature him - especially as I get to know him better. I'm glad you enjoyed this - and thank you for commenting.

Redheredh	Reviewed Chapter: 11 on 10/29/2005
Thankyou!Thankyou!Thankyou!…Thank you! Oh-so-many months ago when you had Eleniel pondering over her great-grandfather, I sincerely wished for him to return to them. And now at last he has and I am bouncing in my chair! I would surely be one of the elves come out to greet him if I could. ;D I have to admit, as soon as Eleniel sensed the excitement of the trees, I became hopeful. Especially after “In the West”. And then it was so and I was so pleased! Opening with Eleniel chafing at being the good daughter was wonderful. I sympathize with her a lot. For I started babysitting at an early age myself which took me away from playing in the woods as I would have liked. I looked for this chapter to be her turn in the spotlight. Then, you also brought back Hithien and Calion which made me smile because I have always liked them. An adventure in the forest much like Elrin’s and Galenthil’s past encounter with a certain dark pool of water was what I expected. Boy, was I surprised! There was nothing strange or wrong about Elerrina expecting her son to take after his father and her daughter to take after her. A very reasonable thing for a very reasonable elleth to expect. I admire Elerrina to no end and I felt sorry for her having to let go. I am impressed with the way you handle the family dynamics between the generations and their traditions. A trip alone with Daeradar was such a perfect answer and yet everyone was wise enough to know it might not be the solution. Ultimately, Eleniel would still have to find her own way. I laughed out loud at Thranduil relying on Laerwen’s capability to make miracles. I very much liked your examination of the contract between a ruler and his guards. Not surprisingly, Eleniel handles the difficult job of balancing her mother’s instruction with her mentors’ lessons. Much as Thranduil balances his instinct and wisdom. Hithien cracked me up with her enigmatic answer to Eleniel about what was awaiting them. Oh so like something Galadriel would say. Something which would make me suspect that she did not really know either but would never admit. ;) The encounter in the glade reminded me of Elwe&Melian's meeting, standing still in a trance until the hoar caught up with the fea. Lucky for Eleniel it did not take as long and they stayed in plain sight. ;) Her thinking of her adar was very sweet. And then, what do you know, she sensibly figures someone had got to feed them because they would never think to ask. I loved her collected greeting, an elegant blend of customs. I hope Oropher's future meetings with his other kin are conducted so well. Ha! -bleep- Maybe it must runs in the family! So even Thranduil reverts to old habits like any other adult child when his parent suddenly appears. And it was not in Khudzul either! That whole exchange was so funny! Then once again, Eleniel exercises her very sensible skills. Thranduil counseling his father was priceless. Oropher’s response was outstanding. I, if no one else, appreciated you leaving in all the hassle of making arrangements and coping with the growing attendance. Eleniel and Oropher in the tree was wonderful. His wish to “listen properly” tickled me pink. Along with his advice to do as he says and not as he does. Fortunately, you are never as harsh as me and left open the possibility of her andaernanath returning. Ah, and just who are “they” who warned him not to rush it? ;) I also have to ask about his pulling up his leg and wrapping his arm round his knee – that was startling because it was just like Eleniel's adar? I have seen some very nice fanart with Legolas poised just that way. After I finished the first reading, I thought that you probably had this written a while ago. All I ever had to do was be patient and you would have got him back, so sorry for all the nagging. Actually, I am very glad “Discretion” delayed things – would not have missed that for anything! Last but not least, that last line was simply beautiful. Unconditional love. If only we all were so blessed. Once again, Thank You! for this episode. Now, when does Oropher meet Taryatur? Author Reply: Now, when does Oropher meet Taryatur? That's a cruel thought to put in someone's head! It would be an interesting meeting. Especially if, by any chance, Taryatur had been in Finarfin's army in the War of Wrath - and his hackles had been raised by the future King of Eryn Lasgalen. I am so pleased you liked this - I felt rather guilty putting it in as an Elflings. Oropher really deserves the dignity of a story of his own, but it just wasn't happening for me! The trees just had to be stirred up - and Thranduil has that bond with the forest that his descendants share. I think Thranduil didn't know at first - he just felt driven to ride west, but by the time they reached the part of the forest where they met Oropher, he knew what to expect. Even if no-one else did! I hadn't really thought of Elwe and Melian - but I suppose, in a way, all these reunions would have an element of that. And the longer and more traumatic the division, the more powerful the reunion. I think Hithien was wise to leave Eleniel in sight - and Eleniel was probably getting pretty hungry herself by the time Thranduil and Oropher recovered from the shock of meeting. The complications are intriguing - and actually made me rather dread introducing Oropher to my world. How on earth do you cope with bringing back a king who has been gone for over an age? What do you do with him? How does he deal with taking a back seat - replaced three thousand years ago by his son? How do people respond to him? It is desperately complex. And likely, I would have thought, to lead to a LOT of trouble. (Laerwen / Thranduil worked because of male / female differences, I think. She is the Lady - but she is happy to let him rule. As Eleniel put it - sort of - Daeradar rules, Daernaneth is.) And interactions are complicated - the people agree to be ruled, but the ruler is also bound by the contract. Which involves putting up with guards and doing what you don't want to do. (Good for Eleniel to see that, too! She's not the only one who has to fit into someone else's perception of her role!) Elerrina has made a huge transition to fit into the Wood Elves' world - and she has done pretty well. The thing with Eleniel is that she is applying standards that are so deeply ingrained that she doesn't even realise that she has expectations - and she won't realise unless someone points it out. These things are just what you do. And, on the whole, Eleniel doesn't mind too much - she knows she is her adar's daughter and her daeradar's granddaughter and that she has a duty to learn to fulfil that role. She just wants a bit more of the Wood Elf life - more outdoors, more animals, more forest - as well as having to weave and sew and keep accounts and know about food storage and wine and precedence and managing celebrations and diplomacy and music and on and on and on. Laerwen might be able to make Elerrina understand - she probably has a better chance than Thranduil, anyway! Thranduil didn't indulge in Khuzdul curses . . . My, wouldn't Gimli have enjoyed that. It's almost to delicious a thought to waste - except Thranduil wouldn't have fallen for it. I hope the patience and understanding between son and father last until Oropher has time to adjust - because it is not going to be easy. 'They'. . . I thought I'd leave it open. Maybe Rostaro and the others have been left behind. Maybe those who serve in the Gardens of Lorien. Oropher is not likely to have been too patient, I think. Wrapping his arm round his knee - sneakily I think I just needed a bit of business to break up the conversation, but it just seems a very natural way for a graceful elf to sit in a tree. And a good place for Eleniel, Oropher and Thranduil to get away from all the hordes of Oropher-fans. It wasn't written all that long ago - it's been sort of in my mind, but it didn't come together until it became part of this arc. I'm grateful you kept my mind on the job! It must have been such a blessing to encounter those to whom you needed to make no explanations or apologies - who could accept you purely for what you were now. (And I'm far too soft to want to make Oropher endure to the end of days without Mrs Oropher. Even if I do have to think of a name for her.) Thank you for enjoying this - and tempting me to move on to other ideas.

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