Jay's Drabblets by Jay of Lasgalen
elliska · 6 June 2005 · Chapter 43: Dark Elf
Now that is one seriously creepy idea for this challenge! What a combination of canon and AU--that was just twisted. I liked it. :-)
Author's reply
Twisted is good in this case. The idea of Legolas in league with the Nazgul is just a little AU, I think!
daw the minstrel · 6 June 2005 · Chapter 43: Dark Elf
Oh, Jay, you're evil!
Author's reply
I know ... ;)
Elendiari22 · 30 May 2005 · Chapter 11: Battle Beneath The Trees
Hey Jay! I was reading through your drabbles again tonight, and I was wondering if I could use this one as an example of a fanfic for a paper I'm writing. It's really lovely, and I'd love to use it, if it's okay with you. Please let me know!
Author's reply
Wow, I'm flattered! Yes, of course you can use it if you want (so long as it's not an example of how *not* to do something ...) Jay ;)
Bodkin · 16 May 2005 · Chapter 42: To See The Sea
Not a twin to be seen! Do you remember Captain Pugwash? I can see a Took making an excellent Tom the cabin boy and managing the whole crew without them being aware of it.
Author's reply
I know, no twins! I didn't think I could do it! I remember Captain Pugwash well - great programme. You're right, Isengar would be a wonderful cabin hobbit. (I also recall the name of Pugwash's second-in-command ... ;) Jay
Lianna · 15 May 2005 · Chapter 42: To See The Sea
What a good idea! I would not have thought that a hobbit's small size would be an advantage at sea, but now that you point it out, it's obvious. Every ship's crew should have a hobbit or two -- and they'd probably make dandy cooks, too. ;)
Author's reply
I tried hard to think what the heck a hobbit could do on a ship! It was the only thing I could come up with. No doubt Isengar will be down in the galley as well in next to no time!
elliska · 15 May 2005 · Chapter 42: To See The Sea
Now here is a topic I have never seen--I know the story but I've never seen it portrayed. How cool. I really liked seeing Isengar Took fulfilling his fantasy. :)
Author's reply
I rather enjoy writing hobbits for a change. When I recalled vaguely that one went off to sea once upon a time, it seemed to fit the challenge perfectly. It seems an odd sort of dream for a hobbit, doesn't it?
Kalima · 5 May 2005 · Chapter 41: The Politics Of Gardening
Well, thanks, Jay. I believe you've got it right. I can't see Elrond taking off those elegant robes and getting down and dirty with Sam somehow. Watching in a friendly way and chatting I can see.
Author's reply
Thanks, Kalima - this drabble had two purposes. One was to be a regular Elrond and Sam moment (I can't see Elrond hot and sweaty either!), the other was to play with the significance of the date.
Dot · 1 May 2005 · Chapter 41: The Politics Of Gardening
Very clever! It's a lovely - and very believable - moment between Elrond and Sam, of course, but it's all the references to political parties that made me laugh. “A ’tory, Uncle! A ’tory!” LOL. Good job! :-)
Author's reply
I had great fun with this one, but wanted it to work as an Elrond and Sam drabble as well, for those who didn't get the references. I was wondering how on earth I could get Conservative/Tory in there at first. Glad you enjoyed this.
Larner · 30 April 2005 · Chapter 30: Hannon Le
This one I very much like. Can see this from either side.
Author's reply
I intended this to be from Legolas's POV, but you're right, it could be either of them. That's the trouble with writing in the first person!
Celebwen · 30 April 2005 · Chapter 41: The Politics Of Gardening
Well, you know I love your drabbles, Jay! Great job, once again. =)
Author's reply
Thanks! This one's a bit tongue-in-cheek, to get the relevant words in.
TithenFeredir · 30 April 2005 · Chapter 1: Homecoming
This one really touched me, the way you show the devastation Legolas comes home to find, that teasing light that becomes a reminder of lives lost, then to find his father alone, nurturing new life at the foot of the dead tree. I don't think it's out of character for Thranduil at all. And he greets his son with a smile, as one would do, clinging to a brave face in the midst of such loss. Beautiful. ~TF
Author's reply
I wanted to show that there was still hope for Thranduil in the middle of all the devastation - a shoot of new life, and his son returning. Mirkwood was renamed Eryn Lasgalen, the 'Wood of Green Leaves', so clearly the forest grew again. Glad you liked this!
TithenFeredir · 30 April 2005 · Chapter 41: The Politics Of Gardening
“My old Da were a terror on weeds and such – but I prefer a more liberal approach. Even weeds have their place, I reckon.” That is so...Samwise. I love it! ~TF
Author's reply
Thanks! It's difficult for me to get Hobbits right, I think - I'm an elf girl. I'm glad you think this sounded right for Sam. (I just needed to shoehorn the word 'liberal' in somehow!)
elliska · 30 April 2005 · Chapter 41: The Politics Of Gardening
Of course Elrond must have visited the Shire. I am perfectly willing to believe that. And I like the image of he and Sam speaking while Sam gardens. I am really coming to appreciate, even love drabbles the more I read them. Good job.
Author's reply
I do like writing drabbles - they're quick and easy, but there's a real challenge in getting that 100 word count! This is set TA 3020, the Shire's 'Great Year Of Plenty' - and yes, I can see Elrond and Sam talking about gardening. Thanks for the review!
Bodkin · 30 April 2005 · Chapter 41: The Politics Of Gardening
Veritas? Although really I think tacky minor parties deserve to be left out.
Author's reply
I just stuck with the main ones, but the greens did fit nicely. No more suggestions, please!
Bodkin · 30 April 2005 · Chapter 41: The Politics Of Gardening
Clever. The Greens would fit in neatly, but I'll bet you'd have problems with the Monster Raving Loonies.
Author's reply
Whoops! I forgot the Greens - an edit is called for. I gave up on UKIP, too! Author Reply: Edited to include the Greens ;-)
Daynawayna · 12 April 2005 · Chapter 40: Searching
awwww Jay! I love it! DaddyAngst can be a scary thing! I'm glad the oak tree protected my favorite elf! LOTR would be pretty sad without him! LOL. Lovely drabble. time to read more! :D
Author's reply
Yes, poor Thranduil was a bit worried there. But Legolas knew the tree would protect him until Ada found him.
Bodkin · 12 April 2005 · Chapter 40: Searching
Poor little one. Kind protective oak. And such a terrified Ada. Who knows what can happen - even though the chances against any of it are probably quite large. He will be reminding Legolas of this for years, whenever the poor elfling wants to widen his bounds a bit. Is Nana still around to rub it in? It is so easy to lose small children - and males are not talented at keeping track of them whilst doing other things.
Author's reply
Don't forget the river - elflings and water don't mix. No wonder Thranduil was frantic. Legolas's mother is around - and out searching - but wasn't there at the time. My husband lost our son once when he was about two, and we were on holiday. We found him in an adjoining tent being fed chocolate biscuits!
Kalima · 12 April 2005 · Chapter 8: Dagorlad
Tell 'em to forget the nicities for now and get back to the fighting! Well, I still liked it. Just foolin'.
Author's reply
Poor Thranduil wouldn't have had much time to mourn his father, would he? Despite his own grief, he'd have to fight or be killed as well.
Kalima · 12 April 2005 · Chapter 7: I Remember
I have always wondered where Elrond, with all his usual foresight and sight in general was during their rescue of Celebrian. Back at the ranch guiding them? Searching somewhere else? I say, very well done.
Author's reply
I tend to think that the twins were alone when they found their mother, but in some writings (HoME) Tolkien says that Elrond was there as well. But you're right, why did no-one foresee it?
Kalima · 12 April 2005 · Chapter 5: The Dead Marshes
Ooooo, so nice and creepy. But it disturbs me about the elf candles. Are we to think the elves have ghosts here?? Peter Jackson certainly seemed to think so. Of course, he LIKES creepy ghosties and ghoulies (see TROTK, EE, skulls scene, the silly boy). Your rendition of creepy is so much more better! (So much more Tolkienish and subtle.)
Author's reply
Who knows about the Dead Marshes? Frodo thought he saw the faces of elves and men and orcs there. It's just a horrible, creepy place - and Legolas's grandfather died there :(
Kalima · 12 April 2005 · Chapter 4: Thranduil's Heir (Version Two)
Yes, I think it IS elfier. Very nice.
Author's reply
I still can't decide which version I prefer - the whole forest rejoicing, or Thranduil's private joy! Author Reply: I still can't decide which version I prefer - the whole forest rejoicing, or Thranduil's private joy!
Kalima · 12 April 2005 · Chapter 2: Long Live the King
Cool Very cool. If I'm repeating myself, I apologize.
Author's reply
Don't apologize! I'm glad you're reading these.
Kalima · 12 April 2005 · Chapter 1: Homecoming
I probably did this a while ago, but just in case: intriguing. What's going on? I'll read further . . . .
Author's reply
It's Legolas returning after the war of the ring. There had been battle under the trees, and 'great ruin of fire'. :( I had this image of Thranduil himself tending the forest as it regrew.
Kalima · 12 April 2005 · Chapter 40: Searching
Jay, you really have to put all these together in a novel. You write so well, so I want to spend a long while (someday!) with your work. On the other hand, I whipped over to read this now because I knew I'd be able to spare the time when usually I wouldn't. Thanks. Well done. But what was he doing out there? Etc. etc. Don't answer. I know it's a drabble.
Author's reply
Legolas just went for a walk in the forest with his Ada. Then he wandered off. He's only about three here!
daw the minstrel · 12 April 2005 · Chapter 40: Searching
I'm such a sap for Little Legolas! And Good Ada Thranduil. I like the way the oak protected him, even though it was also obvious that he'd been crying, poor baby.
Author's reply
Well, you know I'd never write Thranduil any other way! I think Legolas is about two or three here - big enough to wander a long way, too little to know his way home. He knew instinctively that the tree would protect him, though.