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Elflings by Bodkin	110 Review(s)
Nilmandra	Reviewed Chapter: 10 on 8/28/2005
You have made these elflings into very distinct characters, each in their own right. I think this is the joy of OC's - you are not constrained by any form of canon or fanon - you can develop them as you wish. I liked this look at the family, and I do feel for Elerrina and having to deal with her parents! Those unconventional middleearth elves! And horrors, she married one and she is raising a son who would rather live amongst the forests like his father. Ah, well, its good to shake them up every so often. Legolas was wise with his children. It is good to see him happy. Author Reply: They are growing up too quickly, though! (Every parent's plaint about their children.) They have jumped from new-born to the edge of adulthood so quickly. I should have kept them younger for longer. And it is fun to involve characters who can do what you (or they) want. Although that is also an advantage of putting canon characters in Valinor! They are not on their way to any kind of scripted meeting, but free to adapt to a new world. Elerrina's parents are difficult. But she lives a good long way from them and doesn't have to see them very often. (Could be part of the difficulty. Maybe, next time they visit, Taryatur should be incapacitated somehow until he learns the merits of an unconventional life among the trees.) Legolas can be firm when he needs to be - but he is understanding. And very happy!

Jay of Lasgalen	Reviewed Chapter: 10 on 8/28/2005
I think that's the nicest of all your Elfling stories - I loved it. The description of the night, and Galenthil watching the badgers was lovely. It seems so strange, though, to see Legolas as a stern father here - although he so clearly sympathises with his son's preoccupation. Eleniel is growing into a delightful elleth; every parent's dream - if only Nimloth and Aewlin would learn from watching her! The badger's thoughts at the end were a nice touch. Jay Author Reply: Legolas has to play the firm father at times - and he has a good example to follow! But he is generally pretty understanding, and the rules imposed are fairly reasonable. Even Galenthil agrees - he knew perfectly well why his father was irritated. I think the elves are pretty kind and tolerant on the whole - and love children - but expect self-discipline. And are prepared to work on their young to see they develop it. Eleniel is a poppet. Very clear-sighted and well-balanced. And Nimoth and Aewlin are improving! The image of the badger elf-watching suddenly appealed tremendously. I wonder if he thinks he's developed a pretty good understanding of their habits!

MaidenofValinor	Reviewed Chapter: 10 on 8/28/2005
Awwww...badgers! I love your imagery. Author Reply: Galenthil has a real thing about creatures. I'm rather wondering what will grab his attention next! Thank you - I try to limit the imagery to keep it more effective. I can get carried away!

Rose Sared	Reviewed Chapter: 10 on 8/28/2005
I really liked the way the badger knew all along that the elves were there, hah. That idea of living in an eternal extended family must be rather difficult is interesting (my idea of hell on earth I must admit) so it is nice to see some debate around it. Rose Author Reply: Eternal extended families. I knew the Gift of Men was called a gift for a reason. In a way, it's nice to have the family there - but it must be hard to change the dynamics as the young reach several thousand years old. Bring in the idea of rehousing those who leave the Halls of Mandos and you are getting into potentially seriously dysfunctional families. Can you imagine Thranduil reverting to boyhood if Oropher turns up? It would be real take-cover time. And Legolas was on his own for several hundred years until Adar turned up to take control back into his hands. While Elladan and Elrohir managed in Arda without Adar. Then you have the ellyth leaving their homes to become the daughter in someone else's house, with all the settling in that that entails. It must be difficult at times. Even for elves. The badger tolerated their presence - just as long as they didn't interfere in his family. He might take up elf-watching. He needs a hobby!

daw the minstrel	Reviewed Chapter: 10 on 8/28/2005
Sounds like Galenthil might be identifying a little with the badger cubs. I liked the scene with him and Legolas and then the different perspective on it that we get when he leaves and Legolas and Elerrina talk about it. Now Thranduil sounds like a different kettle of fish. He's not so easily charmed and won over. But then, he has a lot on his mind. I do think it's rich that he calls himself an "indulgent" daeradar. I liked the change to the badger's POV at the end. Author Reply: Well, when you're a father, you have to play the father role. But Legolas does have a good understanding of what drives his son. Thranduil is too accustomed to ruling, I think. And he is a far more indulgent daeradar of Eleniel. Of course, being female (and not as one-track minded as Galenthil) she is much better at managing her daeradar. Thranduil is definitely suffering from older father anxiety, too. And he's not good at dealing with stressful events he can't influence. But Laerwen will keep him reasonably calm. This just didn't want to finish - and the badger just seemed to shake his head and look over the elves tolerantly. (Though he's not as grand as Legolas's mice.)

Alice	Reviewed Chapter: 10 on 8/28/2005
Very nice. I really like Eleniel by the way. She's got a good head on her shoulders. Also, anyone who can charm Thranduil is pretty awesome. I can't remember who Andatar and Andamil are though. Noldorin relatives perhaps? Author Reply: Ah. Good point. Must insert a note. I was seeking Quenya-ish terms for grandfather and grandmother - and settled on these. So they are Elerrina's somewhat stiff parents. I like Eleniel, too. She's very sensible and loyal - with her adar's charm and her naneth's skill in wrapping male relatives round her little finger. And Galenthil is very single-minded - definitely the kind of kid who would want to be a vet or work in the protection of wildlife if he were around today. Thank you. Author Reply: I've added a note to that effect! Thanks for reminding me.

Redheredh	Reviewed Chapter: 9 on 8/11/2005
Such a lovely episode with lots of gentle wisdom and humour, a throughly enjoyable chapter. :D Neldor is a wise and caring grandfather, not only for pointing out Elrin's choices, but for telling the son that the father was never mad. Simply seeking vengence because there was no way for his father and uncle to get justice. The girls and how they handled their onerous chores made me snicker. This house is like a domestic dojo. Discipline, ladybugs! And you will overcome your most dreaded foe! No mother-in-law will win against your mastered arts! As always, all the ladies' conversations got me all nostalgic and smiling. These are truly clever females. However unlike they, I am not that enamoured of babies. I'd rather send the little ones home when they cease to be entertaining. It takes a while for children to become interesting. And Elrin has certainly arrived at an interesting age, just verging on adulthood. I wonder if there is not something for which he is storing up all these lessons in preparation to face. I was very happy that he found he does not like scheming girls and did not fall into playing any sorts of games with that hussy... eh, young lady. Much thanks to his cousins for that as well. So, is a camping/hunting trip with daeradar next? Shall Miriwen talk more to her son about her early deeds? Author Reply: It really is quite fun to do something that is simply set in this world without having to tie it to anything more complicated than the teenage psyche! Neldor is a very good grandfather for Elrin to have now - someone who points out that he doesn't have to strive to be greater than his famous ancestors, but just be himself. And he is detached enough to be able to speak of things that Elrin would find hard to discuss with Elrond. Poor Aewlin and Nimloth! Running massive extended households is difficult - though probably not a patch on trying to run massive extended households in co-operation with mothers-in-law and daughters-in-law and sisters and aunts! They need to know how to do it - after all, Galadriel combines Wood-running with her other talents. Not too keen on babies? H'mm - they have their down sides, I admit, but they are little for so short a time, and they have their own delights. Especially to an elf, probably, who counts age in centuries. (There was a woman on TV the other day who has 13 children. She just adores being pregnant and having babies. She wants at least one more, too. And then it'll probably be one more again.) Elrin is (perhaps) a bit of a slow starter in these games. (Nadhras seems to know how to play them!) But he does like to feel in control - he doesn't much care for the roller-coaster of feelings associated with ellyth - yet! And he certainly picked up that pretty doesn't mean nice. I don't think he'll be walking with Olostariel again. (Pity I called her that. I like that name and now it's wasted.) Aewlin and Nimloth will keep an eye on him. Which could be amusing. I think they will check out candidates for his attention - probably to his complete embarrassment. Camping trip with daeradar? Miriwen revealing more of her past? (You are a fount of ideas!) The next Elflings is Galenthil/Eleniel. I can say that because it's written (practically). And Awaiting the Thaw is likely to get a totally unexpected second chapter - it announced itself yesterday - where Miriwen and Elladan meet again. Thereafter . . . dunno. (I know what Thranduil's daughter is going to be called, though!)

elliska	Reviewed Chapter: 9 on 8/11/2005
Elrin and his cousins are so dear in this. I have to say, I am with Nimloth on the sewing. I can sew. Very well. But I have to be in the right mood for it and when I am not, I really can't do it. I could never be made to. That rant is caused by the fact that I have a blanket that I promised to make by September staring me in the face--its pieces covering my dining room table and mocking me. I cannot bring myself to finish it but I must. Perhaps I could borrow Aewlin for a few hours... :-) But seriously, Aewlin is very sweet to finish her sister's sewing and I predicted when I read she was doing that that Nimloth would appear again at some point in the story with a needle in her hand. I loved it. I could just feel her seething. :-) That part I liked the most was the end though--Elrin's little cousins are very perceptive about Olostariel, is seems. And I loved that conversation about her. I particularly liked this: It was amazing, Elrin thought, how Aewlin and Nimloth could revert from remarkable good sense to childishness in no more than a breath. At one moment he had felt as if his younger cousins had a much wider knowledge of the world than he did – only to be reminded that they were a mass of contradictions. I think you have pre-teen (they'd still be pre-teen in this, right? I mean, pre-adolescent, teen by our way of thinking) girls down perfectly in that statement--especially from the POV of boys who are almost men. I really enjoyed seeing seeing Elrin with his cousins in this. They have a great relationship. Author Reply: September approaches. Distressingly fast! Sewing is one of those girlie-skills that is extremely important in a low-technological society - I can't somehow see elves with the equivalent of sweat shops in the Third World. And embroidery is one of those elements of sewing that separates simple households from aristocratic. Which describes this household - even if elves aren't supposed to be classist. (You'd be better borrowing Sirithiel. She's good at sewing and quick. Aewlin is still learning.) Aewlin knows doing Nimloth's sewing will cause trouble - and does it anyway, because her sister works more on optimism. But no pair of 10 year olds (human equivalent: they're about 25,) is about to get the better of wily ellyth like Celebrian and Sirithiel. And being 10ish, Aewlin and Nimloth can be remarkably clear-sighted. Old enough to know something about teenage emotions, but too young to feel them. Interested enough to watch the techniques of the like of Olostariel, and perceptive enough to understand her motives. I rather like the extended family - cousins as close as sisters and brothers. Whether it's as easy to live in this kind of group as adults, I don't know. Must have been hard on Miriwen and Sirithiel to move into the Elrond/Celebrian and the twins group. Thank you - I am glad you liked it. This was rather fun to do - maybe Elrin needs to watch out. He really doesn't want to undergo too much teenage torment!

Alice	Reviewed Chapter: 9 on 8/10/2005
I love Elrin. He's got a good head on his shoulders. He'll be all right, no matter what he does. And dare I say the twins will too? Of course, having just said that, no doubt they will go out and prove me wrong. They're interesting characters though. Author Reply: Elrin is a star. A typically responsible first-born. (I don't expect Ellanthir to be quite as sensible.) He will survive the growing years - and doubtless be a son to be proud of. And the twins' good qualities will shine more as they mature, I expect. Quite a lot of characteristics that make good strong adults are less appreciated in children! Thank you for reading!

Jay of Lasgalen	Reviewed Chapter: 9 on 8/10/2005
I like Aewlin here - she's getting very sharp and quick-witted. I loved her retort about Elrin's physics homework. She is also perceptive: '‘It was not really the way we imagine it,’ she remarked vaguely. ‘We will never really understand.’ ' And her comment '‘Here, Nimloth, I have finished your sewing. It is my turn to play with Ellanthir now.’ She doesn't resent doing her sister's hated tasks. Miriwen's parents seem very nice - Elladan is far more fortunate than Legolas with his in-laws! Poor Elrin is gradually discovering the delights and agonies of adolescence, and like E2L before him, is realising that some ellyth regard him as a 'prize', simply because of who he is. Finally, it must have been very difficult for Elrin to learn of his father's 'time of madness', and that the heroic figure in shining armour was a little tarnished. It would be interesting to explore that moment with him, or with Nimloth and Aewlin. Jay Author Reply: Aewlin is clever - and loyal. Her visionary talents don't give her too much trouble at the moment, but she does see further into a brick wall than most. And she knows that they'll both get into trouble if she does Nimloth's sewing for her - but she'll still do it. Miriwen's parents are very nice. And reasonable and loving. And tolerant. Elladan knows he is lucky - in more ways than one. (D'you know, Awaiting the Thaw was intended to be a one-off, but I've got them all hassling me with a second chapter - where Elladan begins to see how lucky he might be!) Adolescence. Such a joy. Why people call those years the best of your life I don't know. Elrin won't much like realising that some see him as a stepping stone to position and power - but he is sensible enough to retain the lesson without becoming too suspicious, I think. And adolescence is the time when all-powerful parents lose their sheen - Elrin might well have found his discovery of his father and uncle's trauma made them seem more real. Or not. Yes, it would make an interesting moment to see.

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