Legolas's Begetting Day by daw the minstrel
Elemmire · 1 August 2004 · Chapter 6: Of Mice and Elves
The story was great...but the mice clinched it! LOL! ;), Elemmíre
Author's reply
Thank you, Elemmire. The mice made me laugh. And it looks like there will be more soon as babies continue to be born in the palace!
Ms. Whatsit · 1 August 2004 · Chapter 6: Of Mice and Elves
I liked the conversation between Thranduil and Eilian--Lorellin was very much a strong "shadow" presence there, even more so than she is throughout most of your work. I really, really liked the image of Eilian holding Legolas, wondering if he'd be lonely in his cradle, and rocking him and crooning to him. That's just...awww. Legolas getting his presents was cute, especially him wondering why his dad and brothers looked sad about him getting the knife. And the mice! Magnificence, Splendor, Brilliance and Precious! LOLOLOLOLOL!!! I like the way you have them thinking of the Orcs and the Spiders and the Elves--and their opinions of the ribbons on their tails. And ending with Precious having babies was a nice touch. This was a brilliant end to this story, daw.
Author's reply
It's funny how Lorellin haunts a lot of the conversations between Thranduil and his sons or their thoughts about themselves and one another. I hadn't thought about that, but it's true. I like the picture of this wild young warrior gently tending to this baby. :-) I thought the knife would tie the two parts of the story together -- connect the present day fun with the treasure hunt to the dangerous stuff going on on the day Legolas was born. And it's meant to point to his future too, of course, which is why his family finds it sad. Glad you liked the mice. They certainly see themselves as the center of the universe! But then we all do that, I guess. Did it take you long to realize who Magnificence and company were? I hope folks would see it right away. :-)
erunyauve · 1 August 2004 · Chapter 6: Of Mice and Elves
Your orcs are terrific, as always. '“Not you, you fool,” Maltanaur said. “You and I are going home. Your little brother is about to be born, remember?” Eilian looked at him in dismay.' I love Maltanaur! I can imagine how tough it would be for Maltanaur to let Eilian go on alone, knowing he's more a burden than a keeper. 'And suddenly, his heart lifted and he laughed. It made no sense, but instead of feeling heavier, his burden of worries actually felt lighter because this sweet, hopeful little creature now dwelt in the world.' And he has good reason for his premonition. Nassty hobbitses fans just don't understand the book or any of Tokien's mythology, if they think Legolas did nothing for the Fellowship. I loved the ending - of course, I wanted to know how the mice turned out! It is just so fitting that the lost one ended up in Thranduil's study - and quite happy to be there.
Author's reply
Glad you liked the Orcs. Turns out crudeness is fun to write. And Maltanaur is also fun to write. He never hesitates to tell Eilian exactly what he thinks as bluntly as possible, and yet his affection for his charge is obvious. It is hard to think of the "sweet, hopeful little creature" being chased by a Balrog or shooting at a Nazgul. I like the image of all the races working together, with each of them contributing to the success of the quest. And I confess to giggling to myself while writing about the mice. Who knew that Brown-y was a "she" and that her true name was "Precious"???
sofia · 1 August 2004 · Chapter 6: Of Mice and Elves
i just love the image of three elflings peering over Thranduil's shoulder to see the pictures, that's so cute! At the end with the mice and stuff, that was cute. Though it did kind of confuse me at the part when they started talking about the men and the 'clumsy ones' and everything. -sofia
Author's reply
That is a sweet image, isn't it? Apparently even Turgon looks cute tucked up in bed and being read to. I hope you didn't get too confused at the end. I was trying to see things through the mice's eyes and I thought they might have different names for the Orcs and Elves and spiders. Certainly they had different names for themselves! LOL
Dot · 1 August 2004 · Chapter 6: Of Mice and Elves
Oh goody, you did update again this weekend! A bank holiday is indeed a three-day weekend. I just spent a lovely day doing absolutely nothing out in the sunshine and now I get an update from you. *sighs happily* Eilian and Maltanaur just weren’t going to get home very easily. I love your effing Orcs! They’re very real. Poor Maltanaur. He must have been beside himself knowing that Eilian was heading into danger and he had no choice but to let him go, and in fact that his presence could actually endanger Eilian even more. Eilian was SO brave! I like his tactic – take out the archers first. That was a ridiculously dangerous situation, though. Trust Eilian to feel so exhilarated by it. I can tell you, I was very glad when that signal sounded from the Home Guard. Eilian seems to have really got caught up in the excitement if he forgot that he had to get home as soon as possible, whereas earlier it was all he could think about. I was surprised he was still a little reluctant to leave even after he was reminded that he should get back to both Ithilden and his mother – it just goes to show how much his life as a warrior means to him. “In all truth, he thought his father was overreacting, but he did not think it would be wise to say so.” Clever Eilian! Thranduil would NOT appreciate being told that. I like the way Eilian reassures Thranduil how much he loves and wants to protect Legolas, especially as Thranduil accepts that without comment, showing that he can clearly see the bond between his two youngest sons even if he doesn’t always think that Eilian is the best influence for the baby. I thought Thranduil was right to say what he did about Amelith. He really got straight to the heart of the matter – if Eilian doesn’t particularly like her, why would he be spending time alone with her? It must pain him to think that his son doesn’t have respect for maidens, especially when he knows the joy that the right relationship can bring. “How lucky we are to have the brat.” You know, they really are. He seems to bring them a lot of happiness and relief from the difficult lives they lead that they probably wouldn’t have otherwise. What an adorable image of the three elflings peering around Thranduil at the pictures in the book! I have to say, I’m glad you spared us any more of Lorellin’s labour! I loved that moment when both his parents greet Legolas. It’s a lovely thought that despite Thranduil feeling a certain sense of fear and regret for the future, he realises how right his wife was to want to bring another life into the world, some light in the face of the growing Shadow. Yeah, I wouldn’t associate the word ‘serene’ with Ithilden… But his little brother made him happy! How wonderful to see him experience that moment of utter delight. Ah, Eilian. Don’t be annoyed at your father and brother. They need to fuss over you sometimes. It actually touched me that he went to his mother first rather than the new baby, while Ithilden did it the other way around. It’s funny how petrified he was when Legolas started to cry. But it was so moving when he falls in love with his new brother and realises how lucky he himself is. And he immediately goes into protective mode, despite his earlier complaints about the rest of his family doing the very same thing! The gift scene was great. I like the way the gifts Legolas receives reflect the difficult age he’s at now – a mixture of toys and real weapons. I feel sorry for Ithilden being the one who has to give the knife to him. At least for now Legolas is still innocent enough not to see why this gift brings such a sense of sadness to the rest of his family. You made me laugh out loud at the way you wrote the ending! Wow, you really gave them all little personalities a world of their own. And rather impressive names too! I love that they’re so proud of their ribbons. Splendour seems just as impetuous as Turgon. And I notice Brilliance is happy enough to stay at home and Magnificence is definitely the most regal of them! It’s a very clever way of showing what happened to the Men too. *shudder* “Singers.” That’s just so perfect. There’s Brown-y! It seems Thranduil unknowingly has a new pet and is about to have even more. Or maybe he does know about her. I think I’d prefer to think that he does, actually. It’s so sweet the way she decides that she approves of him! I really enjoyed this story, daw. It was good to get back to elflings for a little while. I can’t wait for whatever you do next. :-)
Author's reply
That was indeed a very dangerous thing that Eilian did. He'd better hope that Thranduil, Ithilden, and Maltanaur never hear the details. No wonder they all think he needs someone protecting him. And when he's with Legolas? "And he immediately goes into protective mode, despite his earlier complaints about the rest of his family doing the very same thing!" Clever Dot! That's exactly what I was going for. I thought that Thranduil was just about as good a father to Eilian in this chapter as he had been to Legolas in the last one. In particular, I thought he would concentrate on the maiden -- the behavior that was really important in terms of Eilian's character and his happiness. I'm not sure that Eilian took in everything Thranduil had to say, but at least he said it. Some day it will penetrate! I think they're all lucky to have Legolas -- this innocent child who makes them remember that the world isn't all darkness and sorrow. He makes them play and laugh and just generally see the good that's possible. Of course, even Turgon can do that when he's tucked up sweetly in bed. And it didn't take the big brothers long to fall in love with the baby, despite their earlier doubts about him. Thinking up the gifts was actually kind of hard. I wasn't sure what kinds of things an elfling would play with. Supposedly there were great toy makers in Dale. I have to confess that the mouse part was the most fun to write in this chapter. I've had it planned for a while and kept sending my beta bits as I wrote them so that someone else would laugh along with me and I wouldn't feel like such a fool. Thank you for your consistent support, Dot. The pleasure of doing this is made much greater by readers who tell me they enjoy it too.
JastaElf · 1 August 2004 · Chapter 6: Of Mice and Elves
Oh, daw, that was just superb!! WHAT a grand way to wrap up the tale (tail??)!!! To show us the excitement of the rescue... then the meeting of each brother with little Legolas... and how he wrapped himself around their hearts.... *sob!* that was so sweet!! But I think my favourite part was the mice! They all have their own wonderful names and agendas... they're even a little like the Elflings!! (grin) And I love the fact that they all kept their ribbons as badges of rank and adornment... and little Precious is preggers!! And she's getting her nesting material from Thranduil's office! Heh! The fact that the Mice call the Elves Singers is a lovely thing, too. AND we get to see, through the eyes of the Mice, that the Men get rescued as well! YAY!! A hapy ending all around.... save for that little moment of sweet tragedy, when Legolas gets what his heart desires--to the ultimate sadness of the elders in his life. What a touching, poignant moment.... SO very well done! When the Evil Empire of ff.net comes back to life, I will leave a review there as well--I'm all for raising people's hit and review counts when it is deserved! (grin) But for now, thank you for another wonderful tale in the dark brightness that is Mirkwood!
Author's reply
Thank you, Jasta. It didn't take Baby Legolas long to wipe out all the doubts about whether having him was a good idea, did it? :-) I have to say the mice were my favorite part too. They see themselves as the center of the world, just as the rest of us do, and in their world, they are important. And Precious is going to bring the theme of babies right along there! I thought the knife gift would draw together the silliness of the treasure hunt and mice with the dangerous story of Eilian's escape, the "present" and the past. I'm glad you liked it.
Brazgirl · 1 August 2004 · Chapter 6: Of Mice and Elves
Beautiful ending! It was so beautiful... Very nice chapter, I must say, very nice. I thought Thranduil would be mad at Eilian but he didn't... he is nice anyway. I loved your story.
Author's reply
Glad you liked it, Brazgirl. Having all these adults fall in love with Baby Legolas seemed beautiful to me too. Thranduil was probably not too happy with Eilian, but he what he really wanted was to help his son be a better, happier person. Good Ada!
Karri · 1 August 2004 · Chapter 6: Of Mice and Elves
A lovely conclusion, Daw. The mouse perspective was quite entertaining. Thranduil and Eilian's discussion went well, considering that it was Thranduil and Eilian.... Legolas was as sweet and adorable as ever. (I laughed when Thranduil noted that even Turgon looked sweet and innocent. ;-))
Author's reply
Thank you, Karri. Ending with the mice made me laugh, which is what writing this whole story did actually. I enjoyed it. Thranduil was a pretty good father with Eilian, I thought. He got to the really important thing (the girl) and didn't harp too much on the crown and the chemise. And I think all children must look sweet and innocent when tucked up in their little beds. :-)
Bodkin · 1 August 2004 · Chapter 6: Of Mice and Elves
“What a lucky baby Legolas is,” Lorellin said contentedly. “He will have people who love him looking after him at every turn.” And he has. Just not his naneth. They all looked sad, he thought. What was the matter? One more step on the path to adulthood, when he would be among those whose life was constantly at risk in his duty to the realm. Is it any wonder they are sad.
Author's reply
I know. :-( I thought of that. It's really sad to think of this gay, playful, loving nana being there for him for only 10 short years. Think of the loss! I thought that the gift of the knife would draw together this fluffy story of his begetting day celebration with the worries of his birth day.
naneth · 1 August 2004 · Chapter 6: Of Mice and Elves
What a fun ending to this story! LOL! This was a really fun story to read. I just can't believe that it's finished so quickly. There's just something about babies that makes everyone a little "mushy", you just can't help yourself! Babies truly bring a sense of hope and joy with them as they are born. You captured that feeling very well. Thanks for another wonderful story. Can't wait for more!
Author's reply
Glad you liked it, Naneth. As always, I'm sorry this is over. I always feel a little lost when a story ends. Baby Legolas certainly made his brothers forget any doubts about his parents' wisdom in having him! You can see protectiveness springing into being, full blown. This was a fun story to write too. I enjoyed the mouse stuff particularly. It was just a good chance to write comedy.
Bodkin · 1 August 2004 · Chapter 6: Of Mice and Elves
Those mice! Thranduil as Singer in Charge just about to become host to a family of mouslings. What a wonderfully entertaining ending. And a very clever way to find the Men - love the names the mice have for themselves. A little more imaginative than the elflings' choices. Glad to see the Maltanaur and Eilian got home safely - and that, with sufficient reminders, Eilian was actually able to forsake trouble and orc-slaying to make it home for Legolas's arrival. Those orcs, by the way, should definitely get a refund from the charm school. And the whole baby thing - lovely. Ithilden fallen within seconds, Eilian won over with a little squeak - and Thranduil and Lorellin so happy. A weeny Legolas story with Nana still alive would be rather special. And, of course, Eilian and Ithilden need post Five Army elflings. And Sinnarn needs to get married. And . . . Sorry this one is finished. Very much looking forward to the next.
Author's reply
Yes indeed, babies all over the place of both the mouse and the elf persuasion. I thought the mice would think of themselves as important folks, the center of the universe as a matter of fact, just like the rest of us. So their names show that. Eilian did some very dangerous stuff there and it's a good thing that Maltanaur, Thranduil, and Ithilden don't know about it. It's fun to write about Orcs! They're so much more visceral than Elves. Sauron's snot! It didn't take baby Legolas long to make Ithilden and Eilian forget their doubts about the baby, did it? :-)
Ithildin · 1 August 2004 · Chapter 6: Of Mice and Elves
Really enjoyed this story daw. So many nice moments - *** “What a lucky baby Legolas is,” Lorellin said contentedly. “He will have people who love him looking after him at every turn.” Eilian looked at her and saw the love in her eyes as she looked back at him and Legolas, and suddenly, his eyes stung with tears. Legolas was not the only lucky one, he thought and began to jiggle his little brother and croon to him. *** to quote just one. :) Returning to the mice at the end was just perfect. And the way they referred to the Elves as the Singers... oh, very nice touch! And Precious in her nest - too funny! Well done, Ithildin *(
Author's reply
Thank you, Ithildin. This story was a ton of fun to write -- a little fluffy, but fun. And the mice made me laugh!
Justafan · 1 August 2004 · Chapter 6: Of Mice and Elves
I loved this story! I'm so glad that you wrote a story that let us see Eilian and Ithilien's reaction to a baby Legolas. I do so love your characterization of Legolas as a young elfling. Thank you so much!
Author's reply
Glad you liked it, Justafan. This was a lot of fun to write, and a nice change from battle scenes. It didn't take baby Legolas long to make his brothers forget their doubts about the wisdom of having a baby, did it? :-)
erunyauve · 1 August 2004 · Chapter 5: Home Truths
I have to admire your cleverness with the treasure hunt hints - those little rhymes would have driven me bonkers. And it was very sweet when Thranduil got Legolas to let the mouse go. I *do* want to know how Eilian came by that chemise - and I find it amusing that the palace laundry knew to whom to return it. I hadn't thought of how it would be for Eilian to suddenly lose his place as the youngest - it seems so odd to think of that for an adult, but obviously, that would be a common situation for elves (it does give me a tiny ounce of sympathy for Feanor). And, of course, there is his affection for his mother. It might not be fair to be jealous of a helpless baby, but he can't help his feelings.
Author's reply
I am the world's worst poet and those little rhymes are the height of my accomplishment. :-) Thranduil was a very good father to Legolas in that chapter. It was tempting to make him get all upset about the mice, which would have been entertaining, but I thought he really would be interested in helping his son learn something here (and also in getting rid of the mice). I picture lost of people living in the palace -- servants mostly. So in my head, the chemise belonged to one of them. Really! I had trouble working out just how Eilian would feel about Legolas's birth. He's an adult (more or less) but his mother is the person he's closest too, probably the person he loves the best. He knows he'll never be as close to Thranduil as Ithilden is. And he can see that his mother is absorbed in the baby even before he's born. I don't think he'd be nasty jealous, like a two year old, but I think he might unconsciously worry.
erunyauve · 1 August 2004 · Chapter 4: A Chattering Pest
'“Tell Legolas that he should hurry because he is a fortunate baby who will have a beautiful nana to love him,” he said.' Sniff! I can imagine how that memory would be especially poignant to Thranduil on Legolas' begetting day. I laughed out loud at the discovery of Green-y in the Great Hall. I'm sure some dwarves would have paid gold to see graceful elves falling in a heap. And then I had a good giggle at the head of the chattering pest (the squirrel - though I think that Thranduil's first suspicion is not far off Eilian's thoughts).
Author's reply
It is sad to think about how much Legolas's mother loved him and how short a time he had her. I should write something in which we see them together with him as a toddler. The Great Hall scene was fun to write. I don't often write slapstick! And Eilian would never call his father a chattering pest! He's not totally insane.
Tapetum Lucidum · 31 July 2004 · Chapter 5: Home Truths
Your description of the turmoil in the Great Hall was very vivid! I could almost see it happening. Legolas is a quick learner - it was cute when he alerted his older brother to their arrival. I would have thought a warrior in the Southern Patrol would not be caught off his guard, even at home (grin). Turgon is clever to figure out that is in the library. Why is a chemise pinned to the wall? I don't think I want to know. Thin is not a good thing when it comes to little boys' undergarmets but it is apparently good in a chemise. Thranduil is obviously unhappy with Eilian. I guess finding your youngest climbing a pole doesn't put you in a good frame of mind. The request for a day off will likely be granted when coming from Thranduil. He is very hard to say 'no' to. Amelith is nowhere as cool as Celuwen. Celuwen would have scooped up the mouse and played with it. I am glad Eilian is smart enough to realize that she is no great loss. "How kind of you to give advice on what my son should be allowed to do." I could hear that one out loud. If I were Amelith I would cut my losses and run. Legolas' releasing of Blue-y was very sweet. My 8 year old always cries over stuff like that. He even cried when we had to get a new refrigerator because he was going to miss the old one. He is very tender-hearted. Thranduil's logic was sound and effective. Your exploratin into the similaries between Lorellin and Eilian has been excellent. You have often alluded to it before but the specific instances in this story are a nice change of pace.
Author's reply
The chemise came back from the laundry! And Eilian had no use for it, so he donated it to the game. And thus Legolas's education has been furthered. You are so right about Celuwen. She would never have been so fussy. I think Eilian is just passing the time until she comes to her senses and agrees to marry him, but if he'd grow up some, she might do it sooner. I am smiling about your 8 year old missing the old refrigerator. What a sweety! Legolas is supposed to be about that same age. As I write this story, I realize again what a tragedy Lorellin's death was for this family. :-(
Anonymous · 31 July 2004 · Chapter 4: A Chattering Pest
They were on the head of a chattering pest.. ROTFLOL!
Author's reply
:-)
Tapetum Lucidum · 31 July 2004 · Chapter 3: Lost
It is always amazing how naive kids are. They are completely flabbergasted that the mice not only Could escape but also that they even wanted to escape. Eilian is very wise not to leave the tricksy trio unattended with nothing constructive to do. It is a sure way to get them in trouble. The treasure hunt was a good idea. Legolas is at least smart enough to know not to bother his brother while he is visiting with a maiden. It is amusing that neither Turgon nor Annael know their way around the palace at all. I would think that even if you grew up there you could get lost occasionally. I knew the arrival of the men was not a good thing. Spiders and missing humans are not good things. The flashbacks to Eilian's flight behind the waterfall are a good way to infuse some action into a family tale. Trying to keep the information from Thranduil would be quite a challenge. I can understand Ithilden's desire to shelter is parents, especially Lorellin, but I know Thranduil will find out. The visit to the kitchen was very exciting. I would not wish the little group back any time soon!
Author's reply
Why would the mice run away??? And who could have predicted they would flee from the impenetrable rock and towel house???? I kind of liked mixing the flashbacks in too. It made this very fluffy story seem a little more substantive. Cook is still recovering, I think. If I'd just made a bunch of tarts and a mouse danced on them, I'd be ticked off too!
Tapetum Lucidum · 31 July 2004 · Chapter 1: Visitors Arriving
This is a much more "Daw" story! I am already giggling at your elflings. Can you even imagine living somewhere so big that you don't know what they are cooking for dinner? That is amazing. What is it about males and the size of their swords? I am sure Legolas is looking forward to his more grown up training. "They did not have guards at their houses." LOL - that was great! Nimloth is very wise. It is a good idea to disarm your charges. We have a No Swords at the Dining Room Table rule too. Sting and Anduril are often close by, they tend to spill milk. Mice in his room - it wouldn't be too bad if they actually had a proper cage but that is very un-woodelf. "Nothing." - such a dangerous word. Eilian would never tell on Legolas' escapades, as long as they weren't life threatening. The sneaking of food was funny. Poor Thranduil was happy his son was eating well, if he only knew. "Why is it called a begetting day?" snicker That is a tough one. Thranduil handled it with diplomacy, not lying but giving no details either. The Lorellin flashback was very nice. At least I know Eilian will survive. Men in the forest is rarely a good thing. Who is Amelith? Celuwen is going to be unhappy.
Author's reply
I was so happy to start writing this! I love the elflings and giggled away while writing about them like a demented author. LOL about "males and the size of their swords" -- yes, it does seem to be an issue! I take it your children are sword wielders? Do they wield them at one another? Thranduil did handle the begetting day question well, although the two older sons were not helpful. One of the things I'm enjoying in this story is the chance to write about Lorellin too.
Elena Tiriel · 31 July 2004 · Chapter 5: Home Truths
Ah, lovely chapter again, Daw! Thranduil is such a wonderful father, getting Legolas to realize on his own that the mouse had his own needs, too... So elfy! I was amused -- but not surprised -- by Turgon's willingness to fib, and by Annael's and Legolas' obvious discomfort. And, later, Eilian's mental shrug at being in trouble with this Ada -- he'd handled it before, he could do it again! These tidbits so capture the unique personalities of your characters, Daw, whether canon or OC. Great characters! (And I giggled at Legolas' desire to warn Eilian and whats-her-name before entering the room; perceptive kid, and thoughtful of his big brother, not to mention squicked out by his behavior with the maiden...) Glad to see Eilian and Maltanaur are still okay behind the waterfall... Maltanaur has a good deal of insight into Eilian's emotional state, and he is willing to speak up -- and Eilian is usually willing to listen. That's good for Eilian! And, I suspect, that connection will become crucial after his mother's death... (And I think the caring goes both ways...) I always feel a little bit bereft when you say that one of your stories is drawing to a close; but the good news is, you usually end up writing about twice as many chapters as you think, so I suspect there will be two chapters to go. ;-) - Barbara
Author's reply
Glad you liked it, Barbara. I thought that Thranduil was a very good father for Legolas here too. He's less good for Eilian, I think, but he's probably tired of telling Eilian the same old stuff whereas Legolas was mostly acting in innocence. Legolas is funny about Eilian, I think. He doesn't want to see any more smooching if he can help it, but also he does sort of tolerate what he regards as Eilian's quirk. You know, until people started commenting on it, it had never occurred to me that Maltanaur must have been a real source of strength for Eilian after his mother died. You can kind of see it in "When Shadow Touches Home," although six months has passed there. You sound just like Nilmandra about the story length!
nessie · 31 July 2004 · Chapter 5: Home Truths
Amelith, Amelith. I too, agree with Legolas and would have Blue'y rather bite her ankle than tear her stockings. And she did one of the things Thranduil disapproves of greatly. Which is interfering with raising his children. Good Eilian, you're coming to your senses. I thought it was sweet that Legolas put the mouse in his mother's garden. I also loved the flashback. Well update asap! ~nessie~
Author's reply
A good nip would probably have been just the thing but Blue-y is much too nice a mouse to do it. And you are right on the mark: nobody interferes with Thranduil's raising of his son's. She was SO stupid to do that. I doubt if Eilian was serious anyway. He was just indulging himself. Bad elf! Legolas is a sweet little kid who wanted Blue-y to be happy. Thranduil is doing such a nice job with him!
Nilmandra · 31 July 2004 · Chapter 5: Home Truths
We really don't like Amelith after this - and if she is wise, she will move to a settlement far away until the King forgets about her! I really like how Thranduil handled the mouse incident. Very wise, indeed, and very elfy too. The forest creatures are owned by themselves and the mice do no wish to live in the palace as pets. Eilian is insightful in his own way, and I like that he listens to Maltanaur in a way that maybe he would not his own parents. We are all a little jealous if we thinks someone else is going to supplant us in the affections of someone important to us. He will learn that love grows when given, and is not finite. Good chapter :D
Author's reply
I think Amelith is a bit spoiled and is not used to guarding her tongue. She probably tell other folks what to do and think and is not used to having the other person be Thranduil! Thranduil was a very good father for Legolas here and I enjoyed writing about that. I think he's not quite to good for Eilian, but then he's probably told Eilian the same thing about a million times. I like your observation about love. I may steal it, beta.
Nilmandra · 31 July 2004 · Chapter 4: A Chattering Pest
It was very wood elfy of the dancers to do their best to avoid stepping on blue-y - they would certainly not want to hurt one of the forest creatures! But Eilian, playing with Adar's crown is unlikely to win you any brownie points! And Amelith -we don't likes her, we don't. You have a knack for writing disagreeable female elves. Celuwen agrees :D
Author's reply
I'm probably making the female elves more disagreeable than they should be because, in my opinion, they're all interlopers! Eilian needs to grow up. If he does, he may find that Celuwen starts to see her way clear to bonding.
Jebb · 31 July 2004 · Chapter 5: Home Truths
If this is a repeat I apologise as one of my three kittens (Viggo of Viggo, Orlando and Bean ) sat on the keyboard and the first review disappeared Loved Legolas' and Thranduil in this what a good father he is to his youngest son and how well he handled both mice and Elleth she is probably running off even faster than Blue-y and company. Eilian really does not learn does he? A ladies chemise oh dear! Loved the conversation between Malantaur and Eilian here is another elf who can see right through the king's second son Eilian must really have missed his mother when she died Am really enjoying this sorry to hear only one more chapter
Author's reply
LOL. Doesn't that get cat hairs in your keyboard? Viggo apparently wanted your attention! Thranduil was very gentle with Legolas and, I thought, a good father to him. I think he's less good with Eilian, but then he's probably said the same things to Eilian a million times and is getting tired of it, whereas Legolas was mostly acting in all innocence. I think Maltanaur is really good for Eilian. He's fond of him and doesn't hesitate to speak truthfully.
Ms. Whatsit · 30 July 2004 · Chapter 5: Home Truths
Sucks to be Eilian, doesn't it? Amelith AND THRANDUIL know he's in possession of the chemise...oy. Embarrassing. AND he's been caught making promises he can't quite keep. And seeing it through Legolas's innocent eyes makes it all the more funny. Turgon's a clever little brat, figuring out that riddle. Was waiting for mouse to meet Amelith. Was betting on it running up her leg, but over her foot is almost as funny. Legolas was so adorable defending Blue-y...and then almost crying when he realizes that Blue-y's afraid and wants to go back into the woods. I especially liked the way you showed Thranduil handling all of that. And Annael, saying that Red-y and Blue-y and Green-y would all play together, was also really cute. But what about Brown-y? Is he going to burst in on Eilian's little talk with Thranduil and lighten the mood? Or have I somehow forgotten what's happened to him? Hmm.
Author's reply
Oh yeah. Eilian is in trouble. But he's used to it! I considered having Blue-y run up Amelith's leg, but I didn't actually know if mice could do that. I've never had a close enough encounter with one to find out, thank Eru. Thranduil was a very good ada to Legolas, who is a sweet kid. We will hear more about Brown-y. :-)