A contest! How fun! I’m getting ready flags and banners, Go Elladan Go! I’m looking forward to that.
And I’m sure afterwards he will finally forgive Sadron, without flattening him. It’s high time for him to cut the Wood Elves some slack, after all, they did apologise and besides, how can he expect them to realise Elrohir was hurt, when he himself, despite knowing him so well, had no idea? He’s being more than a little unfair, there.
Of course, as he said himself, he’s angry at himself for not seeing, but what’s this with venting his frustration on others? And on Elrohir, of all people! Silly Elladan, doesn’t he realise he’s the one who’s hurting his brother the most?
Author's reply
Oh, Melje, if only Elladan could see so clearly! He is having a tough time, but it will be very short-lived, I hope, because I like my twins getting along. Legolas will help you with your flags and banners :D
mistry89
· 13 March 2004
· Chapter 8: Challenges
Legolas is the delight we have come to expect, and the interaction between Thranduil, the older sibs, and little L is great - a nice touch to include the thought that the wonder of, for example a prospective elfling, not only crosses the generations, but is a common link between 2 very different elf groups. Actually, that's another thing that is great, that the differences between the umm, more sophisticated Imladris elves and the wood elves (the metropolitan versus the rural :))
Good that Thranduil acknowledges Elrond's special skills - a thawing of old prejudice, an honest (if a little begrudged) statement or just diplomacy in action? :)
Another distinction that you point out, is that of the characters of the Rivendell twins, after all, twins they may be, but a single entity they are not.
The story continues apace with new details (can't wait for the contest - is "toss the elfling" like "water balloon tossing"? Because I don't think Thranduil will be too keen on it if so!).
Dreadful news about a new slick trick from the orcs, perhaps this change in tools indicates (and reinforces) an escalation of Shadow ...
Author's reply
I like the idea, too, that elflings were valued highly among all elves. Tolkien wrote a section called Laws and Customs of the Eldar, and in it are his thoughts on childbearing and marriage. It's a draft, so you know he was still thinking it through, but his thoughts on how elves loved their children was clear.
Toss the elfling is exactly like water balloon tossing - which is why Tathiel (and Thranduil) would never allow it!
The more I write about the twins the clearer their difference become to me. Its interesting to wonder how often they might be at odds, but I don't think it is often (at least in my little world)!
daw the minstrel
· 13 March 2004
· Chapter 8: Challenges
Legolas is charming as ever in this chapter (I like his games in the garden), but I think that this chapter really belongs to the sons of Elrond, who are dealing with a strange place, wounds that do not heal, and a difference of opinion on how to react to their problems. I look forward to the warrior contests and if I were Sadron, I'd watch my backside.
Author's reply
Sadron is watching his backside - but I think he is anticipating the contests too! Good thing these wood elves play as hard as they fight!
Thanks for your help with the twins - I wanted them at odds, but not fighting, and all these changes and new things certaingly affect them.
naneth
· 13 March 2004
· Chapter 8: Challenges
One thing that makes your stories so special are the wonderful relationships your families have. This chapter was especially wonderful due to the relationships you showed between Elrohir and Elladan, Elrohir and Glorfindel, Glorfindel and the twins, and even Elrohir and Arwen before her birth. The relationships between Legolas and family and Legolas and his new friends were "icing on the cake" for this chapter.
Thanks for taking time from your busy life to write wonderful stories for your adoring fans!
Author's reply
Thank you, naneth. I am so glad that comes through. These stories are truly about people and relationships and family. The twins will be feeling quite fortunate they have Glorfindel, too.
Jay of Lasgalen
· 13 March 2004
· Chapter 8: Challenges
I love little Legolas in this story, but I love the way you write the twins, especially Elrohir. I knew he wasn't well! Elladan and Glorfindel *should* be feeling guilty - they should have noticed! The bruises on poor Elrohir's back sound very bad. I love the way Elrohir tells Elladan not to be angry on his behalf - not that it seems to have made any difference.
The contest sounds great fun - I wonder who will win?
Jay
Author's reply
Poor Elrohir - he is so good natured I am afraid I take advantage of him too.
Elladan would like to inform you he plans on winning :D
Karri
· 13 March 2004
· Chapter 8: Challenges
Ai! The poison is a bad development, eh. Puts a bit of a wrinkle in an encounter that was so far otherwise going fairly smoothly. I hope Elladan behaves, and he and Elrohir work things out. Camnesta was excellent (but then he is always excellent. ;-)) Thranduil was just marvelous, and I loved the impressive flow of information. Legolas was adorable, as always. LOL! “Someday they will say ‘yes’ and then I will get my own sword.” He's such a good-natured, optomistic child! I'm dissapointed, though, that 'toss the elfling' was not included on the list of games. ;-)
Author's reply
I like the idea of a happy go lucky elfling - the burdens of the world will weigh him down soon enough. The twins are working it out even as I write this. This has been quite the experience for them!
Melje
· 9 March 2004
· Chapter 7: In the Halls of the Wood Elf King
Finally, a bath and a bed! I like the way Elladan sleeps, so very un-elvish of him. I always found it a bit creepy the way Legolas is described sleeping in the Book, with his eyes open and his hands folded over his chest. Makes me think of a mummy.
I see from the other reviews that everyone likes Elrohir best, so can I have Elladan? He’s my favourite! I like the way he is protective of his brother, and how he’s slightly moodier, but really kind and caring inside, even towards his little jailer.
So since Elrohir already has enough people standing up for him, I think I’ll spend a few words on behalf of Elladan instead. You ARE letting him get a bit of revenge, aren’t you?
Also I hope Thranduil will apologize to the twins when they meet, or at least thank them for “playing along”. I know that he did provide food, and a confortable room, and a healer, and I think Elrohir is perfectly content with that, and Elladan would have been if he had been the only one involved; yet I’m sure he would like something more “official” to make up for the ill-treatment of his brother.
Author's reply
I had to think a little about Elladan - I am probably more like Elrohir - but I would love an Elladan in my life! So, yes, you may *borrow* him! And he is intent on getting a little well earned revenge, for you are right - Elladan is as loyal a brother as there is, and it is one thing to offend him but a whole other situation to hurt someone he dearly loves. The wood elves better be careful!
rgbj
· 8 March 2004
· Chapter 7: In the Halls of the Wood Elf King
Ah the Woodland King with his crown of woodland flowers. The difference between Elrond and Thranduil. The king's raw power and energy of living things harnessed. Good comparison between them.
"Ada!" - and a racy bow. Then the big news. I have brought prisoners. And if Legolas had a sword he could have helped fight those orcs with the twins. "No sword Legolas", for the umpteenth time. He's still in there pitching though.
Why are they prisoners? What rule did they break? Well Elrohir was unco-operative. Now they are both unco-operative so it is the dungeon for Elrohir but Elladan can come to so he won't feel left out. And they are so tired. Poor scared little prince. See Lathron he told you there is a monster. I like Lathron he is calm and soothing to an elfling and to grown elven warriors too. Now the twins understand. They aren't dealing with a crazed, wild, dangerous elfling prince, just a playful one. And they can play tomorrow after they have rested.
I liked Glorfindel's musings. He was surprised the twins "played along" so long with Legolas and company. They are still elflings to him and will always be. Oh Oh Elladan doesn't alway forgive quickly so revenge may be in Legolas' future.
I like Lathron so much of all your OC family members. You have given them all good personalities and they shine, all of them.
Boy Legolas just does not quit trying. You have to give him kudos for that. He is so clever in his attempts.
Your scene with Tathiel in full naneth mode was good. She wasn't going to quit till she got a full report and was assured that things had been handled properly. Even the king was not going to intercede between Tathiel and her mission. He is no fool. The new elfling was more co-operative about things than Legolas is about the twins.
Lathron never wrong in predicting Legolas behavior. He still has that link with him.
OOH. The package to Elnath. Rawien knows. Adar must have a lot on his mind not to have guessed something is going on.
Poor Elrohir. He can't win for losing, first Glorfindel and then Camnesta. It is a good thing he is the gentler, forgiving twin.
I am all for the twins diplomatic coup. All love Legolas, Legolas loves the twins company ergo all love the twins. How good can it get.
I look forward very much to Legoals' big day with the twins. He is going to have such a good time now that they understand him. I don't think elves can resist children. Childhood was a precious, charmed time to them.
Thank you for the nice chapters. I really look forward to you updates.
Author's reply
I actually burst into tears when I got your emails. The no good rotten horrible day had struck and having someone say they look forward to the updates absolutely made my day.
I know this is fluffy family stuff, but I agree with you completely that elves would find childhood a precious charmed time. Legolas is loved, but not spoiled, and I think the twins will certainly remember this time with fondness, as will Legolas.
Although, Legolas may want to be careful when he visit Imladris :D He may find himself flat on his face in the dirt!
rgbj
· 8 March 2004
· Chapter 6: From mighty warriors to an elfling's captives
You can't sneak up on a wood elf in the forest can you? Those gossipy trees.
Bregolas and his resolve to protect his baby brother was so very nice and in character. All his brothers and sisters would move heaven and earth for Legolas.
To a wood elf the only good orc is a dead orc but poor agitated Glorfindel. He and his group have gone through so much with nothing to show for it now. The message is lost.
So Elenath has a he elf friend and the king is in the dark so far. Love is in the air. What will Legolas think about another warrior in the family? He will probably love an extension to his audience.
Wild elves!! Ha. They have no idea how wild and dangerous. Are they friends, well a qualified yes on that one.
Oh my Legolas, is he our prisoner? He has prisoners on the mind right now. He has been prisoner enough to think that his is a natural progression of things.
The twins frighten Legolas and get flattened. The dynamics of life around the littlest prince is very different from what the twins are used to. When it comes to Legolas the wood elves will be dangerous indeed.
Elrohir is not being co-operative. He is trying. Snort. Ah they have different names. That is how their adar and naneth tell them apart. Well they should have mentioned that first. Now Glorfindel leaves the twins to Legolas' tender mercies. Yikes.
Now he must care for his prisoners. He did a very good job. It would be nice to tell the twins they are just part of the prince's learning curve but they still wouldn't be too happy about that.
He has the twins tied up now. This is such a giggle. The world turned upside down for the Peredhil twins and they don't know what to do about it. They are still prisoners.
So as they get close to the stronghold they feel the energy the forest and the king share. I like your making the wood elves a mystery to the twins. I really enjoy the wood elves being very different.
Thanx for a very exciting chapter. The orcs really had very little to do with the main thrust of the story. It was just a device to get Legolas more exposure to life in Middle Earth.
Author's reply
I almost felt sorry for the orcs - i used them as a plot device and then killed them all too! But, they do have a purpose, though it shall not be immediately revealed.
It did not seem to me that there was much visiting back and forth in the realms, although I enjoy stories where the twins and Legolas are friends. This was fun to write them different - and i think the Lorien elves, who the twins would know, are different yet again.
Poor Elrohir. I really don't know why I beat up on the elf. He is just so good natured and forgives easily :/
Thank you again.
LKK
· 8 March 2004
· Chapter 7: In the Halls of the Wood Elf King
Another great chapter, Nilmandra. Favorite points for me: Legolas' sliding bow; Thranduil patient teaching Legolas of the reasons and responsibilities of having prisoners; Legolas' attempts to see the twins the next day; and the use of the word "cooperative" (especially when Legolas called the squirrel "uncooperative" LOL) which tickles me to no end.
I'm sure the wood elves didn't realize the twins thought they were in real danger. I haven't decided about Glorfindel though. Part of me feels that Glorfindel knew because he seems to know everything. But the other part of me feels that Glorfindel wouldn't leave the twins worrying so. I suspect Glorfindel knew and just decided to say nothing.
I think my single favorite moment was this one: Elladan is going to play prisoner with me tomorrow, Lathron! Sadron always gets away, but I think Elladan will play right! As an aunt who has been told that she wasn't playing the game right, that moment sounded so true to me. :-)
LKK
*looking forward to see if Elladan plays right*
Author's reply
Thank you, LKK. Your review and the one above it were waiting for me after a most horrible day, and made me laugh and cry. I know what you mean about playing right - not everyone knows how. I somehow think Elladan will meet Legolas's expectations though :D
naneth
· 7 March 2004
· Chapter 7: In the Halls of the Wood Elf King
Another fun chapter! I especially loved the scene of Legolas suddenly remembering "decorum" and dropping to his knees to skid to a stop in front of his Ada. That was very well written.
Thanks to your stories, I have finally decided that I really like Elrohir best of the twins. I think that it's time he finally succeeded at getting revenge-the poor "elfling" has been through a lot!
Author's reply
You know, I just decided that too! I love Elladan, but there is just something about Elrohir that I adore. I do like their relationship, though, too.
I think what I enjoy most in these stories is the family relationships - that elflings are wanted and loved, but not spoiled, and brothers mean the world to each other.
Thanks for the review :-)
eokat
· 7 March 2004
· Chapter 7: In the Halls of the Wood Elf King
Another lovely chapter, Nilmandra. Where do I start. The power of Thranduil is immense, he really is as one with the forces of nature. Tathiel scolding Bregolas made me laugh, he will always be HER elfling, no matter what. Elladan comforting Legolas was nice, he went quickly from brave captor to frightened little elfling. What next I wonder now they have all met up. Eokat.
Author's reply
You are absolutely right - Legolas will always be Tathiel's baby! Just a little left, as Elladan still seems to want to demand some satisfaction for having his face ground in the dirt - and Elrohir will get Glorfindel at some point. :D
daw the minstrel
· 6 March 2004
· Chapter 7: In the Halls of the Wood Elf King
I loved Thranduil's little logic lesson for Legolas. Are you sure that's Elrohir? Are you sure he didn't have a bandage before? Now here is a kid who is being taught to think in ways that might save his life one day.
The twins were hilarious. Sure you knew all along, Elladan! I also was amused by the way the wood elves kept scolding them for letting themselves be abused. The contrast between Rivendell and Mirkwood is nicely drawn and suggested.
Great job, all the way around. A pleasure to read.
Author's reply
I was thinking about communities where children are either needed to help with the labor, or they live in dangerous times. Those parents seems to do a great job teaching their children very practical lessons, and how to think logically and critically. I was thinking about that in Rohan - those boys were the 'men' of the farms when their fathers were off fighting battles on their borders. And Legolas does indeed need to be wise and quick as he grows up. Thanks for noticing (and helping with) that little 'gem'.
Jay of Lasgalen
· 6 March 2004
· Chapter 7: In the Halls of the Wood Elf King
I still feel sorry for the twins, but at least Legolas is a good jailer - even if he does try to put them in the dungeons! Poor Elrohir is still not well, and it was mean to make him fall like that - Glorfindel deserved a rude awakening!
Jay
Author's reply
Jay, I am going to dedicate the first part of the next chapter to you. For some reason, poor Elrohir gets the worst of it in my stories and I really don't plan it that way. And never doubt that at some point, Elrohir will give the Golden One a very sudden awakening. :D
Karri
· 6 March 2004
· Chapter 7: In the Halls of the Wood Elf King
Aw! The poor twins! They were very patient and quite the good sports about the whole thing. Elladan was very sweet, picking up the frightened elfling and soothing him. Bravo for him! His reaction to Thranduil was great! Tathiel's cornering of Bregolas was fantastic, as well. Bregolas was a good-sport about that, as well. I'm looking forward to seeing more interaction between the elves of Rivendell and the Wood-elves. :-D
Author's reply
Elladan is still a bit miffed at the wood elves, so I think there is a bit more interacting to do (Eru help us all). I do feel particularly bad for Elrohir - I seem to unintentionally torture him and I really don't plan on doing it.
And Legolas - well, methinks he will always be Tathiel's baby :D
LKK
· 2 March 2004
· Chapter 6: From mighty warriors to an elfling's captives
I'm so glad Legolas and the orcs did not meet. I hate to think of the memories that such an encounter would have provoked in him. (I was afraid they would meet because I had misread the chapter title. I switched the words and read "captive elflings"! Very worrisome!)
Poor Glorfindel. It must be very vexing to him to not know why the orc captain was so anxious to get back to his home. I feel for him. I would have liked to know what that message was myself.
The twins' first encounter with Legolas was hysterical. You are not being very cooperative, Elrohir. That line makes me grin every time I think of it. I can hear and see the moment in my mind. It's delightful. Then on top of that is Elladan's reaction upon seeing Glorfindel arrive. these wood elves would get off his back, and they could go home to a place where elflings were sane. LOL Part of me wants to be annoyed at Elladan for thinking Legolas was insane. But then I turn around and picture the situation from Elladan's viewpoint. How was he to know that Legolas has taken practically EVERYONE prisoner on this trip?
I predict that your hit counter for this chapter is going to be unusally high. I can predict this with confidence because I know I'm going to come back many times to read this one.
Love it!
LKK
Author's reply
Oh, I don't think I could do captive elflings for real *shudders* I am glad you liked the chapter - that first meeting was fun to write. I have been trying to convince Elladan to go easy on the little prince when they get back to the cavern-palace, but Elladan just grins at me with a strange gleam in his eye.
LKK
· 2 March 2004
· Chapter 5: The Land of the Wood Elves
LOL Toss the elfling seems like a delightful game. (But only because I'm positive the elves will always catch him.) I hope Legolas doesn't become too big to toss any time soon myself.
I thought it was fascinating watching Elladan learn to hear the trees. So seldom do we get to see the process. Usually the adult elves already understand the trees, so we don't get to experience the first moments. Or the elflings are too young to guide us through what is happening. It was a wonderful change to be able to experience the event vicariously. :-)
LKK
eokat
· 2 March 2004
· Chapter 6: From mighty warriors to an elfling's captives
Wow another chapter, and so quick. At last the two groups have met up and it was hilarious. I laughed out loud when Glorfindel stepped over the twins tied on the ground, without even looking at them. The love between Bregolas and Legolas is intense. I wonder what Thranduil will feel about his daughters soon to be betrothal, I can imagine him to be a little possessive at first, not wanting to let her go to another. Looking forward to the next.
Author's reply
Thanks, eokat. I think I do not envy the object of Elenath's affection, all those brothers and a king for a father. Eep! I felt a little bad for the twins in this chapter - they really did not know what to think!
Nikara
· 1 March 2004
· Chapter 6: From mighty warriors to an elfling's captives
Wonderful chapter. Legolas was completely adorable. I love Elladan and Elrohir's reactions to him. Great job!
Author's reply
Thanks, Nikara. I like adorable Legolas - he practically writes himself :D
Melje
· 29 February 2004
· Chapter 6: From mighty warriors to an elfling's captives
So apparently Elladan has found out that not only trees are different in Mirkwood!
I LOVE the way you contrast the two Elvish cultures. Mirkwood Elves must really appear wild to the twins' eyes!
Especially if they keep humouring Legolas so. I see that they're only trying to teach Legolas a valuable lesson, but do they really have to do it at Elrohir's expenses? He's hurt, the poor guy! And he has probably been brought up to be curteous and diplomatic, all of which puts him now at a distinct disadvantage. I hope you give him the chance for some little retaliation, later on.
Do we also get to see the Imladris Elves through the Wood Elves' eyes?
Author's reply
LOL - I think the twins will need to figure out how to handle the little princeling if they expect to survive their stay in Mirkwood :D Being an object lesson for Legolas for much longer might be a little much for them. It would be fun to see the Imladris elves through the eyes of the wood elves - the first thing they might think is 'why do the sons of Elrond let Legolas get away with so much?' Poor diplomatic Elrohir - you have hit exactly on the problem!
naneth
· 29 February 2004
· Chapter 6: From mighty warriors to an elfling's captives
Wow, that was a quick update! Thanks!
What a fun chapter. Two things made me really laugh. Elenath is about to tell her father and big brothers that she's in love and wants to exchange rings and she's looking forward to it? Hah! Elladan wants to return home where elflings are sane? Has he forgotten his own childhood????
Author's reply
I think Elanath underestimates the reactions of the males in her family, and I think Glorfindel will be reminding Elladan of his own childhood very soon! Legolas is charming, though, and soon the twins need to figure out how best to interact with him, as he seems quite taken with them. :D
daw the minstrel
· 29 February 2004
· Chapter 6: From mighty warriors to an elfling's captives
I adored Legolas's reaction to the twins, especially as it is told through Elladan's eyes. The wild wood elves have certainly been a revelation to the Sons of Elrond!
And I SO look forward to Elenath breaking the news to Ada that his little daughter is in love. I wouldn't like to be the boyfriend.
Author's reply
I don't envy the boyfriend at all - after all, Elenath's father is the king and she has three big brothers! But it will be fun :D
Jay of Lasgalen
· 29 February 2004
· Chapter 6: From mighty warriors to an elfling's captives
What a great chapter - from Bregolas being such a wonderful big brother, and so protective (I liked the part about him being the 'final defence'), to the twins (of course!) and especially Glorfindel.
The tension between the two groups of elves when they first meet was well described, and I loved Legolas' reaction to the twins - and his guardians' response to that! Poor twins!
Glorfindel stepping over the twins, and completely ignoring their predicament was great. But poor Elrohir - he's hurt! Please don't torture him too much - (which reminds me, when can we see an update for History Lessons?)
Jay
Author's reply
I have felt bad for the twins all along, I admit! They are in the midst of battle, they are tired and weary, and recovering from wounds.....and now they have a culture shock and are being object lessons for little Legolas! Elrohir won't receive too much more torture, and I think he will enjoy the rest of his stay.
As for HLII - it is drafted, but a serious work situation has consumed so much of my time in these last few weeks that I am going to finish this story (only a chapter to go, I think) and then we'll return to our injured elves on the banks of the Hoarwell.
mistry89
· 29 February 2004
· Chapter 6: From mighty warriors to an elfling's captives
This is great - I love to see the distinction between the "sophisticated" dwellers of Imladris (at least the high-born ones) and the "wild" wood elves. And the the grand ones have things to learn - the tree stuff is great (and I like the tree bit as the approach their destination).
Favourite line : “Why did you not tell me you had different names? That is how your Adar and Naneth tell you apart.”
The Legolas bit is great - they are not being over-indulgent, they are letting him make decisions of the type that will be real enough one day. And it is safe to do so here!
So, the 2 sets of elves meet .... who will be sent to uncover the task the orcs were carrying out? A combined team? I can't wait.
Cheers,
Helen
Author's reply
I was surprised to find Elladan as much of a tree hugger as he turned out to be! A child's logic is often fun, but I think the wood elves are also smartly teaching this child, as you have already guessed. He is being taught to think logically and critically, even at a young age, through what appears to be fun. The times they live in are dangerous, so teaching hard lessons in a fun way are important.
Not sure what will happen with the orcs.....it may be some time before the elves learn what that message was. :D
finafyr
· 29 February 2004
· Chapter 6: From mighty warriors to an elfling's captives
I do so enjoy your stories about little Legolas.. they are one of the delights of my heart.. I woke up this morning sick and a bit sad.. and you story brightened my day.. it is nice to read something written with such love and such talent.. Keep up the good work.. and thank you for being such a wonderful story teller..
Author's reply
*sends you sunshine and something to make you feel better*
I am glad if the stories have that same impact - I like writing stories like this, where we see real life going on and people living and loving their families amidst all the cares of the world. Little Legolas is a charmer, although I think my beloved twins are looking forward to a rest!