lwarren
· 4 September 2004
· Chapter 1: The Decision
I think Lorellin understood there was no better way to reaffirm hope than with new life. It was, perhaps, her way of fighting Shadow, of thumbing her nose at it and saying, "You will not dictate my life..." .
Thranduil's connection to the trees was very strong, as befitting the Elvenking he is, and I would think the certainty the trees felt of surviving would be a comfort, to some extent. The saddest part was the King watching the youngsters racing and acting silly, and grieving about the loss of childhood and innocence they would soon face (especially in light of Eilian's injury). Just wait until Legolas, my lord....
I loved her saying this new little one would be given to the trees, like his naneth. Thranduil, bless his heart, didn't know what to do, did he? Sometimes it's just better to yield to the inevitable, which in this case, was his wife! I really love this family of Thranduil's you write so wonderfully of!
I also heartily agree with Bodkin's parallel to our own Shadow - children are not safe nowdays, are they? :-( (*sigh*)
linda
Author's reply
You're probably right about Lorellin. She was making something good so that evil could be kept a little further at bay.
I thought that the enduring natural world would be one of the things leading Thranduil to agree to have a child. But I also thought that his glimpses of Ithilden and thought about Eilian would show him both how wonderful it was to have children and how terrible.
As I was finishing this today, I was thinking about those Russian children. I can't even bear to watch the news stories. What kind of people attack children? I think the Orcs are back among us.
Jebb
· 4 September 2004
· Chapter 1: The Decision
Such a surprise and such a joy I was so slow on the uptake as well shame on me
But it was beautiful to read
'We reach toward the sun nonetheless. We endure. We send our seeds to Arda, and we are renewed' what a piece of poetry and very appropriate given what was about to happen
many thanks
Judy
Author's reply
I'm so glad you were 'slow' on the uptake! I was trying to create a little bit of mystery.
I couldn't think of why Thranduil would give in and have a child, but I thought maybe the enduring natural world would be part of it. I think he's very closely connected to it and that's where his magic comes from.
Thank you, Judy.
Duchess
· 4 September 2004
· Chapter 1: The Decision
Lovely! So nice to get another glimpse of Legolas' mother and to show his begetting day is just too cute. Oh I really do hope Ithilden DID send the guards away. LOL
Wonderful little vignette, wonderful! *vbg*
Author's reply
You're bad, Duchess! It never occurred to me that the guards might still be there.
I love writing about Legolas's mother, although I also feel destiny hanging over her. She won't live to see this baby grow up.
Bodkin
· 4 September 2004
· Chapter 1: The Decision
Lorellin put a lot of pressure on Thranduil to give in to her wish for a child - in many ways, I think I would be with him. This does not seem a good moment to have a child - but then, what is? It is just as well she overcame his reluctance.
I'm rather pleased Thranduil managed to dispose of his guards, though. This isn't really a spectator sport.
I've just run down the page and read the others with the same starting point. What a lovely group of stories. Clever people.
Author's reply
I had to really rack my brain trying to think of why he would give in, and all I could come up with was defying the shadow and drawing comfort from the enduring world around him, to which I think he's very closely connected. Maybe when things get ugly, that's when it's time to make something beautiful.
The guards would have been QUITE unwelcome, I think. :-)
Bodkin
· 4 September 2004
· Chapter 1: The Decision
Oh yes. The Thranduil and Lorellin encounter, featuring Legolas Thranduilion in an early role. How lovely.
Poor Ithilden still worrying and Eilian being damaged in the south. I just love this family to pieces.
Author's reply
This was fun to write -- not particularly earth shattering, but fun. I was thinking about our own Shadow touched world, a dangerous place for children apparently. :-(