Ahem! Babysitting rule No. 1: no wine! But I do have to give Eilian props for his sneakiness.
'“And of course,” she went on, “like this little one, you were born in a time of danger. I was afraid for you, I confess, but although it is perhaps selfish of me, and although I might wish your life were easier, Ithilden, I have never for a second regretted having you.”'
Lorellin is just lovely.
I was reminded of the crisis during Sinnarn's birth and how the family did their best to give Ithilden and Alfirin peace.
Author's reply
That may be your rule and it would certainly be mine, but it's not Eilian's! He was bad to make the kids fetch the wine for him and Miss Go-Away-Elflings.
I'm enjoying the chance to write about Lorellin a little. I try to picture how their family would have been different if she had lived, and I can see how good she was for all of them. She's wood-elfy, I think.
Another reviewer mentioned that I had put Legolas in danger when Sinnarn was born and was doing the same to Eilian here. I hadn't even thought about that! I can only plead that these folks live in a dangerous place and a story needs some conflict. Either that or I like to hurt the pretty elves. :-)
Bodkin
· 26 July 2004
· Chapter 3: Lost
They all hung around in Minas Tirith for months, didn't they? Battle in March - wedding midsummer - home in September? Surely Legolas would have let Adar know quite quickly that the fighting was over and he wasn't smeared all over the land before the Black Gate. Not to mention everyone would be keen to get out all the news about Sauron and the return of the king.
Turgon has a very lively mind - and is clearly more used to attempting deception than Annael, who is exceedingly honest. Love the 'you imagined it' bit - and the look that says 'pink elephants' from the assistant when the cook mentions the red ribbon.
I can't help but feel a bit sorry for Legolas, as I think of him wandering around that palace, sitting and listening to the singing or reading, watched by servants and guards who are busy about their tasks. It shows how lonely and isolated he could be if his Adar wasn't so loving and he didn't have such good friends. It's probably good for Turgon and Annael to see him in his own rather impersonal living environment. I expect it actually makes Annael feel sorry for him, though I would think Turgon would revel in the opportunities for mischief. (Ties in with when Annael tells him he is privileged rather than spoiled - and that he wouldn't want to be Legolas.)
Author's reply
You may have a point, Bodkin. ;-)
That picture of Legolas is kind of lonely. I hadn't thought of that. Only Thranduil and Ithilden are home consistently, after all, and they can be busy. His mother's death was really a tragedy. She wanted him for years before he was born and loved him from the minute he was conceived. He must have spent most of his time with her until she died. Sigh. No wonder he nearly faded.
Ms. Whatsit
· 25 July 2004
· Chapter 3: Lost
Well, if I were Amelith and I were alone with Eilian, I wouldn't take kindly to the intrusion of younger siblings either!
Aww. Poor Legolas all worried about Blue-y getting frightened. That reminded me of him in Tangled Web worrying about Hobbit the Dwarf-child.
You know, I hadn't thought (when I read the last chapter) about how worried everyone must have been at home with Eilian missing and the chaos surrounding Legolas's birth on top of it all. Yikes.
Hah! Turgon tells the cook that he imagined the mouse! What nerve. But poor kid--he lost his special mouse.
Author's reply
You wouldn't??? You wouldn't invite the kids to stay and play Monopoly? Fancy that! :-)
I've very glad you can see grown up Legolas in this kid (or maybe see this kid in grown up Legolas). It can be hard to keep the characterizations consistent but appropriate to the age, I find. I have to keep reminding myself how old everyone is and what has and hasn't happened yet.
Legolas's birth day was very exciting! (I'm sure his original beggeting day was too, but Lorellin hasn't told me about it yet.)
I'm glad for the chance to write about Turgon again. He's always himself -- good hearted but really nervy.
Nilmandra
· 25 July 2004
· Chapter 3: Lost
I am so enjoying these little mice. I think Red-y might be fortunate, and for some reason I do not doubt that blue-y and green-y and brown-y will soon join him in the great outdoors.
Eilian is a riot, I love how his riddle has elfling becoming a wine delivery service. And I am sort of with Legolas about the elleth - she isn't happy to see him, so he isn't happy to see her. :(
*goes to find Celuwen* Anyone else DOESN'T belong
Author's reply
Celuwen went off to a settlement. He's not going to sit home on a Saturday night! He should be ashamed of having the kids get the wine though. Cook really should have given them cider. I'd like to have seen the look on the maiden's face!
nessie
· 25 July 2004
· Chapter 3: Lost
Ah, Eilian, clever you. I figured that riddle by myself, too *looks proud of self* Bye bye Red-y! Poor Turgon... It has to be HIS mouse they get rid of first! And I really liked Ithilden's flashback. I could see how much the family really misses Lorellin. I wonder what it would have been like, especially for Legolas, if she had lived or for at least a while longer. She really encourages her sons and makes sure that they know they are loved very much by their parents. I don't like Amelith either. She'll never live up to Celuwen! I think Eilian's first should be a daughter. There's too many boys in that family ;-D !
Man, if you get sample food every time you go down to the kitchens, I'd be there every day! I like the cook, and found it amusing with him chasing after the mouse with a broom!
"I think you imagined that mouse," Lol, very subtle Turgon, when you're screaming "Don't hurt it!" and blocking off the cupboard with his arms are spread out.
Well, loved this chapter! I think there should be longer flashbacks, because I love Lorellin and I love her and Thranduil together even more. Now, about Legolas getting lost in the woods...Was that already in one of your stories, because I don't remember that. If not, I think you should write that little tail...When you're done with this, of course :-D Loved this and update asap!
~nessie~
Author's reply
You are so good with that riddle! The next one is harder. Turgon is actually pretty sweet in this story. He tries to protect his mouse. He has Legolas and Annael to comfort him, which is nice because they're both nice children. It's to his credit that he choose to hang out with them, I think, rather than looking for another trouble maker.
I'm enjoying the chance to write about Lorellin. She dotes on her sons and is much more open about her feelings than Thranduil is. She's good for him too, I think, because of that. She makes him play a little.
The story about Legolas getting lost is nowhere at the moment. I just made it up for that bit in the story! Maybe I'll write it sometime.
nessie
· 25 July 2004
· Chapter 2: Escape
Ah ha! So that's what happened with Eilian not arriving at home in time. Poor Maltanaur. But I know he's okay, so I'm not that worried. Hehe, and Eilian seeing a mouse with a ribbon! Oh, that's just hilarious. I knew those rodents would cause trouble! On to the next chapter...
~nessie~
Author's reply
Trust Eilian to get into trouble on a simple trip home!
And you think the mice will cause trouble? Who knows? They might!
Elena Tiriel
· 25 July 2004
· Chapter 3: Lost
P.S. Reading one of your earlier responses: The Cook had the right idea. Brooms are *far* more effective than baseball bats against mice, for two reasons: 1) they have a larger surface area on the business (trapping) end, and 2) they just trap the mouse, not, um, squish it. Think of the mess!!!
And if you pick up a live mouse by its tail (not the ribbon ;-) ), you can take it outside safely. (Or, flush it down a modern-day convenience!)
- Barbara, who has had some experience in these matters... but not with a baseball bat -- yuk!
And, speaking as a home baker, too... I would only dispose of those tarts that the mouse touched. Hey! Making tarts is a lot of work!
Author's reply
Squishing is good. It's too good for a rodent. Ahem. Let me get hold of myself. Sorry, elflings. I think you just imagined that I said that.
Anonymous
· 25 July 2004
· Chapter 3: Lost
I just laugh all the way through the parts with the children everytime. Too funny. This is a great story.
Author's reply
Thank you! I have to admit the kids make me laugh too. My husband refuses to read what I write but I tell him what the kids are doing and saying and he laughs too.
Elena Tiriel
· 25 July 2004
· Chapter 3: Lost
Turgon flung himself against the door, slamming it shut, and then turned to face Cook with his arms spread wide to defend it. ... “I think you imagined that mouse,” Turgon declared.
LOLOLOL! ROFLMAO! Oh, Daw, that is just too funny! Turgon is so protective of Red-y... and his elfling mind just doesn't grasp the incongruity of his actions and his words! Sooooooo funny!
And then you intersperse Ithilden's past worry about Eilian, and his current worry about the lost Men. You handle that so well! (And, I admit, I'm rooting for the Men to be found alive, unlikely though that seems... Guess you needed *someone* to be in danger who we didn't know for sure would survive... But that poor Captain! How would *you* like it if your brother had to be sacrificed because the mean old author needed a plot device?)
Ahem, got a bit carried away...
Carry on, mean old author!
- Barbara
Author's reply
You don't think Turgon convinced Cook??? I guess not. :-) I do love writing about Turgon. He's an author's delight -- plot elements just pop up all over the place when he's around.
Nilmandra has already spoken to me severely about the Men. And actually, I have a glimmer of an idea!
Karri
· 25 July 2004
· Chapter 3: Lost
The poor cook, but he took it reasonable well considering. I hope there weren't very many tarts on the tray. Well, one mouse down....three to go.
Author's reply
The thought of mice on my food makes me wrinkle up my face. I am doing it right now. Although actually, I heard this very funny story on the radio about a woman whose car air conditioner spit out dog food every time she turned it on (which her dog thought was great). It was the dry stuff, I hasten to add. Turned out she had the bag of dog food stored in her garage and mice were getting into it and squirreling it away in her AC system.
naneth
· 25 July 2004
· Chapter 3: Lost
Oh ho, the mouse-mania begins! What a delight to see some of the "inner-works" of the castle. I'm glad we got to sneak a peek into the kitchen and meet the cook and his assistant.
You are going to tell us that interesting story of Legolas getting lost in the forest, right? It would be cruel to hint of such a story and not tell your faithful readers the complete story. We'll wait patiently (ha, yeah right!) until this one is over to hear it, but we do get to hear it, right? Right?
Author's reply
Legolas lives in a quiet corridor but the palace must be like a business, I think, with people around all the time and things going day and night. Like a hospital, sort of.
You want the story of Legolas getting lost?? The reason this mouse story exists is that Galion mentioned it in "Tangled Web," telling Sinnarn that the noise in the corridor was made by mice and that Legolas had once brought mice into the palace. So I'm writing this story. And now you want the further story that came up in this story? It's like the Quaker Oat Box! Maybe a single chapter thing some time.
Bodkin
· 25 July 2004
· Chapter 3: Lost
Some very bad stuff did indeed happen in Mirkwood while Legolas was busy questing, but NOT TO EILIAN, right!!!! Or come to that Ithilden or Sinnarn or Thranduil. Or Annael or Beliond. News as personal as the death of his brothers, nephew or best friends would have been sent to him in Minas Tirith and it wasn't, right?
I love this story - it is just so sweet. Elflings and mice and courting Eilian and flashbacks to protective Ithilden and lovely naneth adoring her boys. And Turgon - when he was small enough for his . . . unruliness to be adorable rather than infuriating - before he was - what was it? - poisoned by testosterone. I loved the little elfling protecting his mouse from the exasperated cook.
Red-y, Blue-y, Green-y and Brown-y. Wonderful names! And so typically Turgon for his to be red for danger. Also typical Annael the Wood Elf to have chosen green.
Author's reply
Lovely reasoning, Bodkin! I'd have to look at the time gaps to see if there was time for messages to go. Legolas's family would not have known where he was at first. They had no reason to know he was in Minas Tirith, I think, right? Or did I miss something?
The elfling part of this story is a lot of fun to write. They are so innocent and the love they show these appalling little rodents is really touching. And I need the flashback parts for just a little bit of edge. I'm also enjoying writing about naneth. I hardly ever get to do that.
Jay of Lasgalen
· 25 July 2004
· Chapter 3: Lost
Legolas is very sweet in this chapter - worrying that Blue-y might be frightened, and that Annael might cry. Turgon is wonderful - 'I think you imagined that mouse' - fantastic line! And I like the Cook threatening him with a broom.
Ithilden's memories and worries about Eilian are touching - he must have been frantic, knowing his brother's knack of finding trouble. The link with the current search is good, but I fear it will not have such a happy outcome.
Jay
Author's reply
Thank you, Jay. Legolas seems like a sweet kid in general to me, until he hits adolescence maybe. I found with my own son that testosterone poisoning was not a pretty sight. I love being able to bring Turgon back to life to declare that Cook was imagining the mouse. LOL.
I'm having fun weaving the time lines in. We'll see how everyone does. Nilmandra was just after me about the lost Men today. She has strong feelings on these things!
French Pony
· 25 July 2004
· Chapter 3: Lost
Dude, you've never read the Anastasia Krupnik books? Hie thee to the library, woman! They are so right up your alley. The author is Lois Lowry, they're a series of children's books about Anastasia Krupnik, daughter of a Harvard professor and a children's book illustrator, and her younger brother Sam. You will so love these books.
It's interesting -- Thranduil has his hard-nosed, tough-bargaining moments, and then he has his marshmallowy spots. And you never know when you poke if you'll get Lordly King or Mr. Marshmallow. Thranduil probably thinks it's a good thing that Men are relatively short-lived, else they might figure out the pattern of soft spots. But they'd have to be awfully long lived, as I don't think that even Ithilden has figured Thranduil out yet. But we do know that Family In Peril gets him every time.
On a side note, the Master of Lake Town seems to be pushing it. What is with the Lake Townies? They keep getting real jerks as their Masters. The one in The Hobbit wasn't a prize, either.
Would have served Eilian right if they had come up with cider for him. You've got to be specific with kids, and cider is, after all, liquid fruit. In fact, it's much more identifiable as liquid fruit than wine is. Legolas seems to have a habit of hating Eilian's girlfriends on sight. Is this just the general girls-have-cooties stage that he's in, or is this just a repercussion of the unusually strong bond he has with Eilian? Or both. . . that would be evil.
Perhaps she was not as oblivious to undercurrents as he had thought. No, Ithilden. Lorellin is a professional Nana. Nanas have eyes in the backs of their heads. They are never oblivious to undercurrents. It's their job to not be oblivious to undercurrents.
Mouse in the kitchen! Mouse in the kitchen! One down, three to go.
Author's reply
Actually, I use the public library for mysteries and book tapes and things like that (I have a 100 mile commute to work, so I listen to books),so I'm there a lot. I'll have to look for Lois Lowry in the children's section. I've gone over there to get the Harry Potter book tapes recently. :-)
Thranduil is hard to figure out sometimes, but I think basically, he's just not going to let someone fall to the forces of shadow if he can prevent it. He doesn't give a rat's ass who the lakemen choose as the Master. They can live under stupidity, so far as he's concerned. But he wouldn't let an orc attack them.
I think Legolas hates all the girlfriends because he is possessive of his brothers' attention, especially of Eilian's. Oddly, I think that if his mother had lived, he wouldn't feel quite so strongly about that, but with her gone, he's clinging to the family he has. I'm enjoying the chance to show her a little.
Duchess
· 25 July 2004
· Chapter 3: Lost
Oh, poor Turgon, having to give up his favorite mouse like that. *giggle* Poor Cook, having to throw away all those tarts and now make more. *trying not to snort* For such little things, mice can be a BIG bother, can't they? lol
Eilian is definitely sneaky, sending them after wine like that. I agree with Legolas in not liking his brother's "friend" too much, she's an opportunist, if you ask me. Humph!
Technically, Eilian shouldn't be in trouble for Legolas and his friends bringing mice in, Thranduil and Ithilden and even his caregiver were all there when the critters came in with the boys. Why do I doubt it'll be seen that way though? *vbg*
Author's reply
You know, Duchess. I think you are right! I can just see Thranduil demanding to know where Eilian was when the elflings were creating havoc in the kitchen and wherever else they manage to get.
If I were Cook, I'd be upset at the sight of mice dancing on my baked goods too. Cook and his assistant were quick to see Eilian's plan about the wine, weren't they? They must know him!
Manderly
· 25 July 2004
· Chapter 3: Lost
What a delightful chapter. I was laughing throughout. The kitchen scene was hilarious and I was amazed that pots and pans did not go flying in all directions at the sighting of Red-y. I guess the elflings have no idea what contortionist creatures mice are. A closed door is certainly no deterrent to their escape. I am glad to be reading about Turgon again. I've missed him.
I like Legolas' thoughts on Eilian maiden friend and his instant dislike of her. He is not breaking tradition at least - he has yet to like any of his brother's maiden friends, at least in the first encounter.
And there is Ithilden, reliable and responsible as always, trying to shield everybody from worry and harm.
Author's reply
I have to admit I laughed while writing the kitchen scene. I could just picture the kids running after the cook, shouting "Don't hurt him!" LOL Of course, if mice had been dancing on the tarts in my kitchen, I'd have been swinging a baseball bat at them.
You are so right -- Legolas hates all girlfriends. He's possessive of his brothers, especially Eilian. And it struck me that Legolas's birth in a time of turmoil might look unwise and burdensome to Ithilden, poor guy. Eilian was born during the Watchful Peace, so he has not seen this before.
rikki
· 25 July 2004
· Chapter 3: Lost
One mouse down and three to go. I just have this feeling that the night will not be complete until Eilian's girlfriend sees one, and the last one will have to be for Thranduil. Legolas and friends certainly keep things interesting in the palace. Without Lorellin, Thranduil really has to hop to keep up with his youngest son. I think Lorellin managed the oldest boys better than Thranduil ever suspected.
Legolas doesn't like the girlfriend, that is not a good sign for Eilian. Little siblings can really wreck a date when that happens. :))
Ithilden is such a sweetie. He is such a protector of his family. Even before Legolas is born he is worrying about sending him out to protect the forest. "Another brother to send off to face the Shadow, Ithilden thought bitterly, and I will not be able to assure his safety either. For a moment, his breast boiled with anger at his parents for putting him in this position again." Though he finds out later that his naneth is probably more aware than he thought of his concern for both his brothers.
I can't wait to find out how Eilian and Maltanaur escape the orcs. Though the readers know that they make it home, there is enough tension regarding the whole episode to make it exciting to see what happens next.
Author's reply
You and I think alike, Rikki. :-)
Imho, Lorellin was a wonderful mother. She loved her kids and was wood-elfy enough to want to play and just celebrate the day. Her loss was a tragedy for them all.
Legolas has never yet liked one of his brother's girlfriends. He was slow to warm up even to Celuwen and Alfirin. As a matter of fact, he once threw a tantrum at a feast, screaming and kicking that he did NOT like Celuwen and Eilian should dance with him. He's very possessive of Eilian in particular, I think.
When I was outlining this story, I tried to think about what Legolas's birth might mean to each member of his family, and I thought that for Ithilden, it would look like just one more responsibility.
Thank you for telling me that about the tension. I do appreciate knowing how it looks to you because I'm not always confident in my own judgement on stuff like that.
Elvenesse
· 25 July 2004
· Chapter 3: Lost
I'm sorry, I can't type. It was supposed to say 'home' not 'hope'.
Author's reply
Maddening not to be able to edit it, isn't it? :-)
Dragon-of-the-North
· 25 July 2004
· Chapter 3: Lost
LOL - wicked, wicked Eilian... He deserves something of a punishment for making his little brother pilfer wine for him! They should indeed have sent some cider up to him... I do like Cook's assistant! *g*
I enjoy the different time levels in this tale very much - the memories are just perfect and very typical of those people remembering. Dutiful Ithilden being all responsible and trying to keep harm away from his parents, Eilian, once again, in the midst of an adventure (and I still do wonder if ever the orcs will win and really get him...). And of course, the mice would not stay where they are supposed to stay! "“I think you imagined that mouse,” Turgon declared." - sometimes, I do love that little troublemaker elfling! :-) Good luck to the men of Laketown, but hope is dim, I guess (hm... who's captaining the Eastern patrol?).
Lovely chapter once again! :-)
Author's reply
Eilian is kind of bad, sending the elflings for wine. *g* Cook and cook's assistant know that but the kids don't.
Who knows what Eilian's eventual fate will be? I think he's in good shape when Legolas goes to Rivendell, but some very bad stuff happened in Mirkwood while Legolas was away, as you know.
Turgon cracks me up. I'm SO glad that I can go back in time and resurrect him.
Elvenesse
· 25 July 2004
· Chapter 3: Lost
I love the way you develop your characters and are able to go back and still write them convincingly.
So one of the mice has been found (if briefly), I wonder who's going to find the rest of them. Poor Ithilden, he almost never seems to be able to relax and when he does you give him Legolas and spiders. I hope Eilian makes it hope safely before his parents find out about his horse.
Author's reply
Thank you, Elvenesse. I find I have to keep reminding myself how old the characters are in various stories and what they have or have not experienced yet. Like that spider thing is in the future for Legoals and Ithilden, but they're still growing into the people they'll be then. (Geez. That even sounds confusing now.)
White Wolf
· 24 July 2004
· Chapter 2: Escape
I should have known Eilian could not get home without running into trouble. I'm looking forward to seeing how he and Maltanaur get out of this one.
I like the idea of the treasure hunt, but I think Eilian is going to have his hands full with three elflings and four mice on the loose.
The last sentence in the chapter was so funny. Poor Eilian!
Author's reply
Eilian and Maltanaur are in a ticklish situation, especially since Maltanaur is now wounded. You may have to wait a chapter or two to get back to them.
Eilian is hoping to have time alone with his current girl, but I suspect that the elflings and the mice will put and end to that!
Jebb
· 24 July 2004
· Chapter 2: Escape
This is so lovely and the story of Eilian trying to get back for Legoals' birth is a real treat.
I think Eilian is going to really regret being left to elfling-sit I mean he is already suffering from hallucinations!
An absolute delight!
Author's reply
Thank you, Jebb! Eilian is already regretting being left to elfling-sit. His lady friend has arrived and his mind is not on the kids!
Glad you're enjoying the story. It feels a little fluffier than what I usually write.
Estel_Mi_Olor
· 24 July 2004
· Chapter 2: Escape
:) Very funny! At least the mouse part was. So if brown-y is out in the hall the others must be too. I loved the flashback to Eilian's mother making up the treasure hunt, and how Eilian used the same idea. Very intelligent of him.
I really enjoyed the flashback to Legolas's birth. I love reading about different interpretations of how Lorellin? (I think that's what you named her...) died. I have a feeling those Orcs were responsible. Eilian was very clever though, to hide behind the waterfall. I hope Maltanuar feels better.
I also wish much luck to Eilian in this treasure hunt scheme-I don't think it will work out for long. Keep writing!
Author's reply
Eilian adored his mother and she really was good at handling troublesome elflings. She did all right with him!
In my world, Legolas's mother is indeed named Lorellin and she doesn't die until Legolas is about 10 in elf years (or about 4 in human years). Orcs are indeed responsible then.
Thank you for your kind words, Estel.
erunyauve
· 24 July 2004
· Chapter 2: Escape
I like the way you're telling of his birth in the bits and pieces of each family member's memory. And poor Eilian - little does he know that his brother is on a real treasure hunt (and learning something about mice, too).
Author's reply
I wondered what Legolas's birth might mean to each of his family members, so I'm hoping to show that a little in the memories. And Eilian with a maiden on his mind is not a good choice for babysitter. He's in too big a hurry to get the kids out of his hair.
Justafan
· 24 July 2004
· Chapter 2: Escape
Oh my, another story! I love your stories about young!Legolas. His antics are so wonderfully amusing and are so characteristic of his age. I enjoy the way you weave memory into the present situation. Thanks!
Author's reply
I'm glad to be writing about elflings again too. My last story got kind of serious near the end, so the kids and the mice are a nice change. But I also got to wondering what Legolas's birth meant to each member of his family, so that's why you see the memories too. Thank you, Justafan.