Jay of Lasgalen
· 15 October 2006
· Chapter 86: Found
It's getting very> AU from Bridges now! I'm glad that you posted this as a separate tale, though - it would have been a shame to miss E2's efforts to locate Legolas.
There are always intriguing references to other events in your stories, that leave me wanting to learn the backstory. This, for instance: 'Time slows down – and you can see all possible outcomes and all the things you wish you had done flash before you.’
‘Oh yes,’ Elladan said. ‘I know the feeling.'
I love this comment of Elrohir's: '‘Oh my,’ Elrohir said, ‘we never thought of that. We will be stuck here for ever!’ :>) The friendship between E2L is great!
Author's reply
I did like the way E2 responded to the crisis - and they assured me that this is what would have happened if only they'd had the chance!
I hadn't even thought of that as being backstory, but of course it is... I don't know when, though. Perhaps it's part of the dragon story.... Maybe.
E2L are such fun.
Armariel
· 15 October 2006
· Chapter 49: Above the World
Gorgeous descriptions....mountains, sunrise, butterflies, hummingbirds, blooming trees above the world...makes me wish I weren't too old for mountain climbing any more!
Author's reply
Just being there and watching the beauty of Valinor unfold ... in the company of friends with whom you share so much!
(I've never been young enough to climb mountains, not even as a kid - but there are some you can approach by easier paths and being high above the world is stunning.)
Armariel
· 15 October 2006
· Chapter 47: From Dark to Light
Oh it's nice to see this series again...this chapter is particularly lovely both with the description of the cavern and the discussions of dwarves and elves. ROFL @ Narvi and Celebrimbor each not knowing the gender of the other! hehehe
Legolas trailed his hand along the cool wall of the cavern as he followed the twins. ‘Gimli said that stone was the skeleton upon which the living forest depended – and that it had its own song,’ he reflected. ‘That the world we love out under the sky depended on the dark and secret depths and elves were foolish to turn their backs on them.’
Lovely. I'm fascinated with beautiful rock formations, myself.
Author's reply
I quietly confess you have picked the line I loved the best in this! Sometimes, I find, these really short pieces just sing to me - and this was one of those parts. I'm so glad you liked it.
And dwarves appear so very male - while elves are slender and pale and elegant ... I can see them getting confused about each other. At least on first acquaintance.
Lianna
· 15 October 2006
· Chapter 86: Found
This is good, but I think the real Bridges is better. I think I prefer the competent Taryatur of Bridges to one who misjudges his own ability to make a climb. I like the element in Bridges of the whole unfortunate situation being a result of Taryatur's less-than-effective ways of coping with his war memories. And as much as I like the dynamics of E, E, and L, I think it was better for Legolas's and Taryatur's own families to be the ones who found them. This is an interesting alternate version, though.
Author's reply
Poor Taryatur had to be rendered unconscious here - as nobody but E2L are allowed to speak. But much as I liked parts of this, it just didn't fit with the way Bridges turned out. But it's been sitting in its file for a long time - and the twins said they would have been in on the rescue if only they had been there!
daw the minstrel
· 15 October 2006
· Chapter 86: Found
I like this version of the Lost story too. Legolas's surprise that he could fall made me laugh, but his wonder at Taryatur's heroic behavior is touching.
Author's reply
I did originally intend to make the two stories work together - but Bridges just went off in a different direction. I think Taryatur is much misunderstood - and that (with luck) Legolas will end up with a pretty good relationship with him. They're still circling each other rather warily at the moment, though.
Kitty
· 15 October 2006
· Chapter 86: Found
I can see it happen that way, too. If the twins had been around and Legolas and Taryatur not been found so fast and all that ...
It's always nice to have my three favourite elves together, and their reactions seem so very like them - jesting in spite of the gravity of the situation.
I wonder if Legolas and Taryatur have formed a bond here, too - it seems not to be so. But you're right - it would be interesting to see the reactions of the twins to have the two on friendly terms for a change. If that isn't a new plot bunny for you? ;)
Author's reply
Could have done, couldn't it! I'm sure the twins would have liked to be there to take part in the rescue. If only so they could tease!
We don't see Legolas and Taryatur together here - I think it would have made a difference to them. Taryatur came after Legolas, after all.
I'm sure there will end up being some friendly Taryatur/Legolas interaction. Maybe even with Oropher. You never know!
Selene
· 13 October 2006
· Chapter 85: Lost
I love this, it's nice to see were bridges started. The twins are absolutely wooried and it show very clearly in this story. It may be a bit AU of your own univers but it's just slightly so. I could see this happen because the twins were not in bridges.
O just on an other thing: You are really going to have to tell us the story of the twins hunting for dragons, PLEASE??
Author's reply
Thank you. The twins are very concerned - Legolas and Taryatur have been missing too long. (Longer, in fact, than they were in Bridges.) And the longer they are missing, the greater the danger that something dreadful has happened.
You fancy a dragon-hunting story, too? I will certainly have to give that some thought, then. It would be rather fun to play with orc-crazed twins, a few Dunedain and a snippy Glorfindel... Not to mention a dragon or two ... and a troll.
Kitty
· 12 October 2006
· Chapter 85: Lost
So that is how 'Bridges' started? Even if it is now somewhat AU, I am glad you decided to post it nonetheless. It is easy to imagine it could have been like this, and nice to have the twins there, too.
Hm ... to ask the children where they could be seems an expendable idea. A pity there is no reason to develop this further; it could be interesting, I think. The twins are correct, the elflings probably know a lot of hiding places their parents never had seen before.
Author's reply
The twins would have been just this frustrated and anxious if they had been there! Only they were at home and knew nothing about it until it was all over. It would be rather interesting to see how they reacted to the newly amiable Legolas and Taryatur next time they all get together, though... That sounds an interesting possibility.
There is an Elflings partly written that explores the same time period ... but again, the twins weren't there at the time.
Perhaps another crisis will have to occur!
Redheredh
· 9 October 2006
· Chapter 85: Lost
*g* Amazing, ain't it? How a good idea just takes off one its own? This was nice seeing where Bridges started from and I am glad you did not just set this on the shelf after the other was finished.
Author's reply
Elladan and Elrohir would have responded like this - only they just happened to be miles away when it all happened. It would be quite interesting to go back and explore alternate versions of various events - if only there wasn't so much to write without that! There is a second part, too, that is probably even more out of synch ... but I daresay I'll post that too!
The Karenator
· 8 October 2006
· Chapter 85: Lost
I like this, Bodkin! Now we know what the twins were doing while Legolas and his father-in-law were underground. I could feel E2's frustration, and I loved how they vacillated between confidence that every thing was all right and worry. And don't you just love Glorfindel? He sure knew how to put those two in their place. Just delightful.
Author's reply
Well - we know what the twins would have been doing, had it not turned out that they weren't there at all!
They are worried - Legolas isn't supposed to be able to get away from them and his absence is just so out of character. And Glorfindel is great - he has such a sharp tongue and was superb at putting the twins in their place, even in their crazy orc-chasing phase!
Larner
· 8 October 2006
· Chapter 85: Lost
A wonderful companion to the Building Bridges work. And I can see just this frustration building up between the twins as they tried to think just where Legolas and his father-in-law could have ended up.
Author's reply
They are worried, poor twins. And frustrated - Legolas isn't supposed to be able to evade them like this! But they're dogged. They won't give up. (Or they wouldn't, had they actually been there when this happened!)
Larner
· 8 October 2006
· Chapter 84: In Loco Parentis
The curse of parents on their children--"May your children be as bad as you are so that you realize what you put us through!" Yes, I've wished that on my own offspring. {Sidespring? Sort-of-offspring? What does one call stepchildren and adoptive children and foster children when "offspring" itself isn't quite right?)
Author's reply
I can just picture Elrond and Celebrian smiling and rubbing their hands as their sons endure the stress inflicted on them by kids. (Of course - Glorfindel will enjoy it all far more vocally. I do hope that one day he has his own children and the twins can enjoy his sufferings in their turn...)
daw the minstrel
· 8 October 2006
· Chapter 85: Lost
Isn't it maddening when one's stories slip out of control and seem to multiply on their own?
This was fun to read. I enjoy these bits from Valinor.
Author's reply
In a way, a refusal to co-operate is quite a good thing - stories insist on their own wholeness and won't let you mess with them just because you want to - but I sometimes wonder who is in control of this keyboard!
Thank you. I haven't really written a Reflection for a while (although I've a couple in store) but I must. I do like playing with them.
Jay of Lasgalen
· 8 October 2006
· Chapter 85: Lost
Ooh, this could be worrying if I didn't already know what happens. The twins' utter exhaustion and worry comes across so clearly - and their unspoken fear that the ones they search for are dead :(
I enjoyed mention of the dragon-hunting expedition in the Trollshaws - you're going to have to tell us that story one day!
Jay
Author's reply
Poor twins. If only they had actually been there, they would have been just this worried. Good thing they missed it, really!
Dragon-hunting seems just the sort of thing into which the ruthless, blood-hungry twins might have thrown themselves. Writing it? Well... maybe. It would be rather fun to do.
Ellie
· 8 October 2006
· Chapter 85: Lost
This was very enjoyable. I like the bantering of the twins. They are such fun.
Author's reply
Thank you! I love the way the twins can be sharp and really quite insulting, but understand each other so well that they are never upset by it. It's a very male way of expressing affection!
perelleth
· 8 October 2006
· Chapter 85: Lost
An AU of your story? Now that is a huge achievement!
And now that you mention it, I do not remember the twins in "Bridges". They were surely searching other places! But it makes a lot of sense. You have them so perfectly nailed down that we can perceive their worry beneath their bantering and their jokes. Fortunately, we know how it ends. They were only too right. It was good for Legolas and Taryatur's egos. An amusing twisting of your own world! ;-)
Author's reply
I tried to get the twins into Bridges - but it just didn't work. They weren't there! They were at home and ignorant of the whole matter until it was safely resolved.
But I quite liked this version - so decided to post it anyway. (There is a second part to it, too!)
Imhiriel
· 1 September 2006
· Chapter 60: Rain
Oh, to have been a fly on the... bough... when Elerrina's parents finally arrived on the talan *eg*!
And I bet nobody told them beforehand intentionally!
Author's reply
Well - would you tell them? I can just see them all angling to get in the best position to see Taryatur's face.
Imhiriel
· 31 August 2006
· Chapter 47: From Dark to Light
The description of the cave in this and the previous chapter is marvellous. I find the allusions to Gimli and to Menegroth very moving and I really love that the three friends appreciate the beauty of it.
Gimli said that stone was the skeleton upon which the living forest depended - and that it had its own song,’ he reflected. ‘That the world we love out under the sky depended on the dark and secret depths and elves were foolish to turn their backs on them.’
Beautiful!
Author's reply
I admit I really rather liked this episode - largely because of the bit you quoted! I think his relationship with Gimli and his exposure to a dwarf's eye view on the world probably did a lot to open Legolas's eyes to looking at some things in a very different way.
Imhiriel
· 30 August 2006
· Chapter 19: Where None Has Gone
"In fact, they may be the only pair of known elven twins who do not have the blood of Men in their veins."
I think you forgot Fëanor's youngest sons, Amrod and Amras. Considering that Elerinna is descended from Mahtan, I would have thought that in her of all families, it would not be that much of a "scandal".
Author's reply
That's true. Maybe I should have added the word 'living'.
Maybe being like Feanor is enough of a scandal in itself! It can't be too comfortable reminding people of that connection - even after three ages plus.
perelleth
· 24 June 2006
· Chapter 84: In Loco Parentis
Now, this is prove of elven sense of humour, to charge these three with a swarm of elflings on a summer camp! LOL! Fortunately once they get into gloating about past mischief panic shows up!
It was hilarious. I liked this truth,above all, "I always thought ours were bad because they were ours.’" ROTFL!Someone else's always turn out to be worse!
Author's reply
The comical thing it that if the kids were a few years older they wouldn't have any difficulty - they know just how to manage late adolescents in training! They are just too soft-hearted with younger kids, I think - and not able to multi-task in the same way that mothers can do five things at once.
The thing with your own kids is that you have a better understanding of what they might attempt (they've been training you from infancy) - whereas other people's children - in groups, too - might do absolutely anything. They might go home with a better appreciation of their own children!
elliska
· 21 June 2006
· Chapter 84: In Loco Parentis
The dialogue in these is great--hilarious to imagine where the truth falls, for example, between Legolas being shoved or willingly jumping. *Snort* And I love the close banter between three people who know each other so well and have shared so much. This particular chapter really makes you feel that. (And I shudder at the thought of being in charge of "summer camp" for elf children). Great chapter!
Author's reply
The kids started off being Galenthil and his friends - but they would be too old. And Ellanthir is too young. So they just ended up as a group of kids. I daresay the three amigos got tricked into consenting to supervise them ... They might move faster next time someone tries to convince them that their skills are being wasted.
They are very much at ease with each other - and at least half of what they say is unstated. They have no need to be polite to each other either. (Which can be fun.)
Thank you - I'm glad you liked it!
Redheredh
· 20 June 2006
· Chapter 84: In Loco Parentis
I love these guys together. :D
But, I don't know that I would trust them as scout-masters... ;)
Author's reply
Most of the time, if we knew what our kids got up to, we wouldn't let them out of their rooms.
It's only when things go wrong that the poor old scout-masters get blamed for not tucking the little darlings in cotton wool. Until then, letting kids have a bit of freedom is considered good! (And these three have survived most things - they know that kids are pretty resilient.)
Nilmandra
· 20 June 2006
· Chapter 84: In Loco Parentis
LOL at how relaxed these three are when they're supposed to be supervising children. Although.. most do survive in spite of all the dumb things they do, and learn more from their mistakes and failures. I rather think that is why these three are laid back.. they know it. :D
Author's reply
Males! They can be just a touch on the casual side when caring for kids - they take a very linear view of life. Plus, I suppose, there's not much that this lot haven't done at some stage - and, short of falling off cliffs or setting the forest on fire, they're probably prepared to accept that there are some things it's just too much fun not to let kids do it. Ellyn, anyway. I suspect they're a bit more protective of their daughters!
MaidenofValinor
· 20 June 2006
· Chapter 84: In Loco Parentis
‘You were not expecting it – a warrior of centuries’ experience and not expecting it.’
Teehee.
Love the title.
Author's reply
I do enjoy the way these three tease each other! I've just written a newly-arrived twins bit - and it is such a pleasure to see them settled and happy with families of their own!
And a Wood-elf knocked out of a tree ... how embarrassing!
Kitty
· 19 June 2006
· Chapter 84: In Loco Parentis
This double view at the problem of looking after the elfling from the POV of a sorely afflicted son and a anxious ada is quite funny. Watching one's children do something ... can I say, insane? ... is entirely another thing than have done it himself once, isn't it?
The end was hilarious. Of course, Thranduil should be wary of teaching his grandchildren too much nonsense - Legolas is able to revenge it! That could be interesting *grin*
Author's reply
My husband tells all sorts of stories of the things he did when he was a kid - he would have been absolutely horrified if any of ours had done anything similar. Somehow a lot of childhood's pleasures are much better in retrospect and when you are not responsible for the kids' safety.
The mixed up ages of elves must have complicated everything. Some time, Celumil is going to have to make a bigger appearance!