Jay's Drabblets by Jay of Lasgalen
daw the minstrel · 12 August 2005 · Chapter 47: For Rohan
Ooh! Arod's original rider! I never even thought about him. What a good idea, Jay.
Author's reply
The poor chap isn't even named, is he? For some reason, I've often thought of him. He must have been a loyal companion to Éomer to face exile and death for him.
elliska · 26 June 2005 · Chapter 46: Bloodlust
I've said it before and I'm sure I'll say it again: Elrond is really a tragic character for all that he must endure during his long life. Poor thing. You do a great job portraying one aspect of his troubles here. I really enjoyed this. PS: What is the challenge this was for? I'm not sure I'm familar with Tolkien Weekly and it sounds interesting.
Author's reply
It's a site that issues a different drabble challenge each week, usually in a linked series of themes (the current one is geographic locations). You can link to it here: http://www.livejournal.com/userinfo.bml?user=tolkien_weekly I'm glad you enjoyed this - but poor Elrond. It must have been hard to watch his sons all but destroy themselves.
TithenFeredir · 25 June 2005 · Chapter 27: Why?
I read an almost frantic fear for Legolas in Thranduil's angry words. He has just learned about the quest very much after the fact, and now he has no recourse. Also, WE know that Legolas did not go to Mordor, but at this point Thranduil believes he will. I think his response here is very realistic and given how long he has to wait to learn any more, it is heartbreaking. ~TF
Author's reply
I think this was a terrible moment for Thranduil. He'd sent his son off to deliver a message, and all he got back was a letter. In my universe, Thranduil has no family other than Legolas - and now it seems he will lose him as well.
TithenFeredir · 25 June 2005 · Chapter 16: Leaving
"Turning, I take one last lingering look at Imladris, remembering. Then, together, we ride for the last time along the twisting trail and out of the valley." These lines got to me more than all the rest. What a great store of memories he would have had to draw upon, and how sad to take that last ride along the trail. But I love the happy note at the end, anticipating their reunion with Celebrian. Lovely. ~TF
Author's reply
Three thousand years is a lot of memories. Most would have been very happy, but the more recent ones less so. Even though the twins look forward to being reunitred with both their parents, leaving must still be hard.
TithenFerdir · 25 June 2005 · Chapter 8: Dagorlad
Even though this was about a battle there seemed to be a sort of shell-shocked stillness to the narrative. It increased the grim irony of your image of Thranduil kneeling by his father weeping as the warriors acknowledge his ascendancy. Very moving. ~TF
TithenFerdir · 25 June 2005 · Chapter 8: Dagorlad
Even though this was about a battle there seemed to be a sort of shell-shocked stillness to the narrative. It increased the grim irony of your image of Thranduil kneeling by his father weeping as the warriors acknowledge his ascendancy. Very moving. ~TF
Author's reply
I think seeing his father fall would be a moment frozen in time for Thranduil. Two-thirds of Oropher's elves died - but this was his own father :(
Bodkin · 25 June 2005 · Chapter 46: Bloodlust
Poor Elrond. This must have been the worst time of his angst-filled life. Not only has he lost Celebrian, but his sons as well - and he lives with the constant fear of their death to go with the loss of his bright, kind-hearted, joyous boys. And Arwen is probably off in Lothlorien, dealing with grief by removing herself from it. And there was nothing he could do, except hope. Good thing he's good with hope.
Author's reply
I sometimes wonder why Elrond still had hope after so much loss already - his parents and his own twin. He must have known he might never get his sons back. Inspiration comes at the oddest times - I was lying awake during a very loud thunderstorm when this one came to me! I must have had your tale 'Awaiting The Thaw' in mind as well.
Larner · 24 June 2005 · Chapter 46: Bloodlust
To watch those consumed by anger, and know how destructive that anger can be to self as well as to the enemy, is painful. Lovely Elrond point of view.
Author's reply
Elrond must have felt as if his whole family was being destroyed - and after everything else that had happened to him. He was unable to heal Celebrían, and at this stage was helpless to heal the twins :(
Larner · 24 June 2005 · Chapter 34: Great Minds Think Alike
The joys of being identical twins....
Author's reply
I think they'd find it very hard to keep secrets - not because they'd tell, but the other would always guess!
Kitty · 20 June 2005 · Chapter 45: Adar
Wonderful little fic! I love the term "king things" - what a nice summary for a lot of responsibilities! It is a relief Legolas and Thranduil are so close and can strengthen each other. And it was truly lovely how Legolas explained the reason (or not-reason ;-)) for his gift.
Author's reply
Who needs a reason to give a gift to say 'Thank you'?? I have a story 'A King's Promise' where 'king things' is explained. I've always written Legolas and Thranduil as having a close and loving relationship - I *HATE* 'abusive' Thranduil stories!!
elliska · 20 June 2005 · Chapter 45: Adar
Absolutely wonderful. Hooray for all the dads that do exactly this.
Author's reply
I see Thranduil as a wonderful father (I always hated those stories where he is abusive!) who loves his son and teaches him honour and respect. Legolas of the books AND movies must have had a good upbringing to be the kind, considerate, honourable elf Tolkien and PJ show.
Bodkin · 20 June 2005 · Chapter 45: Adar
I like 'king things'. I'm sure that 'king things' are still put aside for father and son things as often as possible. I love the relationship these two have.
Author's reply
Because I killed off poor Telparian, Legolas and Thranduil have only had each other for a very long time. It's made them very close. And yes, I'm sure there are still father/son things whenever possible.
daw the minstrel · 19 June 2005 · Chapter 45: Adar
Very nice, Jay. And I suspect the best present were the words at the end.
Author's reply
I think you're right. Legolas is adult here, but the words still need to be said sometimes.
TithenFeredir · 17 June 2005 · Chapter 44: Down In The Valley
'Oh! What are you doing, And where are you going?’ Am I reading too much into this, or do those words carry a meaning beyond that in the song? It gave me a bit of a shiver. ~TF
Author's reply
There's nothing particularly meaningful in the words, it's just how Bilbo and the dwarves were greeted when they arrived at Rivendell in The Hobbit. I decided to treat Boromir to the same welcome. Thanks for reviewing!
elliska · 17 June 2005 · Chapter 44: Down In The Valley
Very nicely done. I enjoyed seeing Boromir arrive to the same greeting we saw in the Hobbit. The contrast between his grave thoughts of his serious mission in the first paragraph and the easy, light, sing-songy environment in the Valley is very telling. Kind of sad, really. Great drabble.
Author's reply
The elves in The Hobbit and those in LOTR seem two totally different species, I think. But they were joyous over Frodo's recovery and awakening, and greeted Boromir just as they had greeted Bilbo so long ago. I wonder what he made of elves at first??
daw the minstrel · 17 June 2005 · Chapter 44: Down In The Valley
I like this, Jay. The words from that silly song take on depth in this context.
Author's reply
Thank you! I decided to blend The Hobbit and LOTR together for this, although the two books are so very different. Poor Boromir must have wondered what he was getting himself into ...
lwarren · 9 June 2005 · Chapter 43: Dark Elf
Now Jay - come back to the Light...come back to the Light! It's almost scary how the mind can try to imagine this story a little further on. I'd rather you didn't...I'll probably read it if you do! :-) I've read a couple of AU's about a dark Legolas and they really freaked me out (but I still read them!) I'll just say - c.r.e.e.p.y. and leave it at that! linda
Author's reply
I'll try to avoid the dark side! There are just a couple of sneaky plot bunnies tempting me to go further with this idea (I probably won't. I really don't want to see Legolas and Thranduil where this would take me!)
Kalima · 9 June 2005 · Chapter 43: Dark Elf
Oh very funny, very funny. (Not!) A universe where Legolas could be evil is not worth living in. :]
Author's reply
Well, I did warn everyone that it was AU. And dark. Fortunately, we live in the universe where he's a good!elf. But perhaps I should write some more in the other universe ...
Ginger Rich · 8 June 2005 · Chapter 43: Dark Elf
Wow. This Dark Elf drabble was so creepy, I had to leave a review. I gasped actually. Never thought about that little twist with Mirkwood and Gollum. The elves are evil! Run away!
Author's reply
Have I scared you out of lurkerdom? Wonderful! I'm glad you liked this. Evil!Legolas was great fun to write, because he was so unexpected.
Kitty · 8 June 2005 · Chapter 43: Dark Elf
That was creepy, indeed! It seems you've turned evil: first killing my beloved twins, now Legolas as evil elf, and in "Memories of darkness" you've left poor Legolas in this dark cave for weeks now. I start to get worried about you and what will come next! ;-)
Author's reply
No, no, no - I'm not evil, really! It was just that there was a challenge to write an AU drabble ... The twins story was AU as well - they're safe and well, really. And that dark cave - I promise to update soon!
Dot · 7 June 2005 · Chapter 43: Dark Elf
Not only is this fantastically well written, it's such an original idea. Very creepy! I think what makes it most unsettling is the line “Surely you did not think Gollum escaped from Mirkwood? I released him” because we can't help pausing for a second and thinking "what if.."!!! Very well done, Jay!
Author's reply
Thank you! I rarely write AUs, but the 'what if' aspect is intriguing. After all, we only have Legolas's account of how Gollum escaped ... Author Reply: (hope this gets rid of the italics ...) Author Reply: or this ...
Bodkin · 7 June 2005 · Chapter 43: Dark Elf
All he needs is a white cat. Creepy. Very creepy.
Author's reply
A James-Bond-type white cat? You could be right. I'm delighted with the response this has received, but rather worried by how much I enjoyed writing it.
TithenFeredir · 7 June 2005 · Chapter 43: Dark Elf
*shudders* That. Was. Chilling. ~TF
Author's reply
Oh, good. That was the effect I was aiming for! I now have a frightening urge to take this story further ...
Nightwing · 6 June 2005 · Chapter 43: Dark Elf
Oooh, what a betrayal. What a shock to the members of the Fellowship!
Author's reply
I thought Legolas the most *unlikely* one to betray the others - so I chose him. It's a little scary how much I enjoyed writing this!
docmon · 6 June 2005 · Chapter 43: Dark Elf
Wow. That was intense. The "cold, feral grin" really got me. And Gollum nuzzling up to Legolas, and Legolas calling him pet... cre-epy! And now you've let loose all sorts of nuzguls! well done! mon
Author's reply
Once I'd turned Legolas to the dark side, it seemed obvious that he'd freed Gollum - a perfect excuse to go to Imladris and join the fellowship!