Ellie · 21 September 2005 · Chapter 9: Sharp Practice
Oh my. This just gets better and better. how funny!
Author's reply
Thank you. I'm glad you're enjoying it. This is such fun to do - and the story is still growing!
Discretion by Bodkin
Reviews (174)
elliska · 21 September 2005 · Chapter 9: Sharp Practice
The twins just don't learn, do they? :-) As if they have not been made to look foolish enough, now they want revenge that will surely backfire at least partially and make them look still sillier. Thank Heavens Legolas is there being a relatively level head and reminding them that they have already done enough. I must say, the thought of an entire generation of Elves in Valinor slaughtering the Secret Tongue just cracks me up. I loved Legolas's imitation of Gimli and the exchange about asking Aule what they are saying. I have no desire to set off a dispute amongst the Valar, whatever you descendants of Finwë might do! I'm reading this at work and got some very strange looks when I burst out laughing at this line. Hilarious! I love this. Isn't it wonderful how a simple reflection turned into such a great story!
Author's reply
Fingers crossed they come up with something a little easier to implement. I think they deserve a little bit of their own back on this. Turning the Secret Tongue into a flowing rhythmic extension to elvish delights me. Just imagining how Gimli would have reacted to having his language twisted into a bastardised version is so enjoyable. I can't help wondering how Aule would react to a delegation of certain elves wishing to consult him about Khuzdul - there could be steam rising from Taniquetil. This has grown out of all control - but it has been such fun to do! And it's still growing. I'm so glad you are enjoying it.
Jay of Lasgalen · 21 September 2005 · Chapter 9: Sharp Practice
I like Elrohir's initial incredulity that Legolas survived the encounter with Galadriel unscathed - and Legolas' omission of certain facts. So Nimloth and Aewlin have picked up the expressions? Why doesn't that surprise me? I can understand Elrohir's reluctance to involve them, though - those two need no encouragement. I want to see where their plan for revenge goes - I hope they pull it off. It's time the older generation paid for the eons of amusement and delight they've had at the twins' expense.
Author's reply
Well, you can't look cool if you admit to having had shaky knees. Nimloth and Aewlin just would, wouldn't they? And I'll bet they have the intonation spot on. They're an imitative little pair. Which will need to be dealt with anyway. Pointing them at their grandparents would just be a form of directing the control. I'm hoping they end up with a plot that is more workable. Legolas is trying to stop them jumping in with both feet. Fingers crossed they get their own back. At least a bit!
daw the minstrel · 21 September 2005 · Chapter 9: Sharp Practice
I had to admit I cringed at the idea of Elrin using the terms, although what he was saying I have no idea. Was he saying anything? Have the words become nonsense or morphed into other words? What counts as "bad words" is kind of arbitrary I guess. There was a big article in the New York Times Science section yesterday about words that used to be considered swear words -- gosh, golly, rascal, criminy, drat. Now they're not. And I read this mystery once that written by an English writer. The central character went to the US and used the term "bloody" to a telephone operator when she was annoyed. The operator got offended, which made me laugh, since no one in the US is going to hear that term as meaning anything other than covered in gore. Interesting.
Author's reply
I think that Elrin and the twinlets are close enough to Elladan and Elrohir that they might be among the few who are actually using recognisable phrases. Although they are also the ones who will be relatively easy to cure. A simple explanation - and they will be far too embarrassed to use such phrases again. (Or at the very least they will know better than to repeat them anywhere they might be caught.) Slang / bad language is fascinating - and it morphs so quickly. And it's not only confusing internationally, but between age groups and regions. By golly. It's quite difficult to know what to avoid at times - the relative awfulness of terms is incomprehensible at times. There's a series of advertisements by some bank or other about local customs and gestures - and how they have totally different meanings in different parts of the world, so that something innocuous in one culture can be quite offensive in another. Or just mean the opposite.
Larner · 21 September 2005 · Chapter 9: Sharp Practice
Good ideas, but I find myself feeling as if there is more to come....
Author's reply
I'm afraid so. At least three more parts. Because they're already done (almost). And I'm not sure that's the end - but it's close. Thank you.
harrowcat · 21 September 2005 · Chapter 9: Sharp Practice
I think that Legolas has the right of it - the Twons don't need to plot more on this one but I suspect they will anyway! And to even consider stirring up the Valar to an argument amongst themselves is awesome writing.
Author's reply
Perhaps Legolas will be able to help redirect their thought. Or maybe not. It would be interesting to know what Aule thinks of the elven use of Khuzdul. I picture him as quite a boisterous sort of Vala - so perhaps he can see the joke. Perhaps. Thank you - there will be more soon.
Redheredh · 19 September 2005 · Chapter 8: Royal Displeasure
Good for Legolas! Good lesson for Galadriel, too. And she should always listen to Celeborn. They tend to see different sides of the same things and it makes them both more effective. There's more? Alright!!
Author's reply
Galadriel and Celeborn work well together - and here, I think, their silence was more to do with their grief than any joke. But Legolas is right and not afraid to stand up to Galadriel. Which she will have found rather surprising. But it will be good for her to realise that she can't always manage people as she wishes. Yes, there's more. Though I think it might be losing its edge. But I'm still having fun with it.
The Karenator · 19 September 2005 · Chapter 8: Royal Displeasure
I've gotten way behind in reviews, but I'm tagging along behind you reading each chapter. This little gag has bloomed into a fun side story that's greatly enjoyed. Legolas was supremely Thranduil's son in this. Galadriel thought he would melt like ice cream on a hot sidewalk when she confronted him, but that was not to be. I agree with Celeborn that Legolas had right on his side. Galadriel was thinking with her heart about Celebrian instead of her head. I'm sure she hated having that pointed out to her. And Haldir is now speaking a bastardized version that make no sense in any language. That cracked me up. Not even the most exceptional dwarf could make heads or tails from his insults. I've enjoyed this story very much. It's been such fun. Karen
Author's reply
Thank you - as you can tell from the speed of each new section, this is running away with me! I don't think it can last much longer though. Legolas did well. It's a good job he got riled - or I think he might have been too polite to take Galadriel on. And he is right - it would have been kinder to whisper in the twins' ears right at the beginning. But it does Galadriel good to be squashed occasionally - before she starts thinking she's too perfect. And it's Chinese Whispers in Khuzdul. I don't think the latest versions bear any resemblance to the original (thank goodness), so the prevalence of Khuzdul curses can be safely ignored. Probably!
Ellie · 18 September 2005 · Chapter 8: Royal Displeasure
That is hilarious! *snort* OH_MY_GOSH! Legolas got the upper hand on Galadriel. Too funny! Love Celeborn in this, too. Keep up the good work!
Author's reply
Thank you. There are still more coming! (Will this ever end?) Legolas might be young (compared to Galadriel), but he is an elf of principle and he knows he is right. Celeborn shouldn't be too smug, though, because he was in on the joke, even if not from the beginning.
Larner · 18 September 2005 · Chapter 6: Awareness
The joke finally shared between the two of them! Marvelous! And glad to hear all are now joyous once again.
Author's reply
It took them some time to discovering that the other knew - but now they do they can enjoy the twins' moments of garbled Khuzdul. And they are all beginning to realise the delights of being together again. Thank you.
Larner · 18 September 2005 · Chapter 7: Revelation
Hehehehehehehe!
Author's reply
I'd like to see the twins get their own back on Glorfindel. But he's very slippery. I don't know if E2 are quite up to the challenge yet. Thank you.
Larner · 18 September 2005 · Chapter 8: Royal Displeasure
The idea that all of Aman is now infected, but that the inflection is sufficiently distorted to render it without meaning, and now Elladan and Elrohir themselves get to enjoy the situation along with the rest of the family---OOOOOO, so very apropos!
Author's reply
Elladan and Elrohir can relax a bit - although their own offspring have been rather closer to irritated adars and might need their mouths washed out! But the further you get from the source the less recognisable the sayings. Chinese Whispers among elves!
TithenFeredir · 18 September 2005 · Chapter 8: Royal Displeasure
*Gleeful laughter* Way to go, Thranduilion! That was a joy to read! I just loved the way Galadriel tried to cover her ruffled feathers and Celeborn deflated her by pointing out that Legolas had the advantage of being right. Too, too good! ~TF
Author's reply
Galadriel was absolutely certain that she could squash Legolas - but he has been taking Thranduil-lessons for a long time. She was surprised to find that he could intimidate with the best of them. (And he was right!) Thank you.
harrowcat · 18 September 2005 · Chapter 8: Royal Displeasure
I am truly amazed that ANYBODY has the bravery to face down Galadriel - well done Legolas! And I am dying to see of the twins do, indeed, forgive them. Loving this!
Author's reply
Well - Thranduil can be pretty scary when he puts his mind to it, and Legolas has had plenty of practice in facing him. And he might be young (relatively) but he can hold his own - as a lord and a warrior and an elf of principle. There is more to come. I'm glad you are enjoying it!
Rose Sared · 18 September 2005 · Chapter 8: Royal Displeasure
Now that was exquisite enough to have me hugging myself with glee - there is nothing more attractive in a hero than selfless integrity, yummy yummy Leggy! And haven't you wanted to do something to puncture Galadrial's smugness for the longest time. Wonderful wonderful writing - you even managed to tap into Legolas' fondness for Gimli with a shadow of his grief at his passing, not to mention giving me a reference for why something happens in my story should anyone ask (that the secret language is hard to pronounce!) Great stuff Rose
Author's reply
Galadriel can be rather sure of herself. There aren't many who can stand up to her and win - Celeborn, for sure. Finarfin. Elrond - although he's generally too polite. Glorfindel could, and Thranduil. Cirdan, perhaps. She would bow to some of the older elves - Olwe, Ingwe and others - but they wouldn't necessarily convince her. And now Legolas has shown a side of himself she hadn't expected - and she will respect him more for it! And yes - the secret language has to be hard to pronounce. Now I'm thinking - why is it so hard for outsiders? (Possible answer to come. Apart from it being all consonants and no vowels.) Thank you.
perelleth · 18 September 2005 · Chapter 8: Royal Displeasure
Well.. fortunately, Legolas had the advantage of being right... and he is still young enough to ignore that, at times, even being right is not enough to keep you from "scarification"? I was rolling in laughter at that. And now, we have Haldir in the mix... see Bodkin, this is the funniest unintended story I ever read...As Legolas say, this is more than a family joke, but yet they are reluctant to let die, for, let's see...which are the prospects of another dwarf arriving at the blessed realm? The idea of Haldir mumbling things that simply resembled Khuzdul was so fun!
Author's reply
It's a good thing (for him) that Galadriel sparked his temper. He keeps it well hidden, but when it's stirred it's one of those like a burning coal seam - deep and hot and enduring. And enough to make him stand up to intimidation! I think it's like the game of Chinese Whispers - each time the expressions get passed on they get changed a little until they bear little resemblance to the originals. (Thank goodness, E2 would say!) And the whole story is still spiralling! I hope it is coming close to its end now - but it keeps reviving. Thank you.
elliska · 18 September 2005 · Chapter 8: Royal Displeasure
The opening paragrapg of this made me howl so loudly my husband came to find out what was wrong. I loved the mental image of Legolas that description produced. Too funny! Legolas speaking about his own children and then being reduced to the status of a naughty elfling. I was rolling! And I especially loved how the conversation ended--that is exactly what I would expect of Legolas Thranduilion! Perfect! And I could jsut feel Galadriel's blood pressure rising from Celeborn's comment. Given how I love Legolas, this may have been my favorite part!
Author's reply
I'm glad you enjoyed it! Legolas has, fortunately faced a scary Thranduil a few times - and he was determined not to be intimidated. And he did have his conviction of his rightness to inspire him. Part of Galadriel's defensiveness is because she think he's right too - and her innate honesty makes it hard for her to fight back. But she was a very surprised Lady of Light, when Legolas behaved with such authority and dignity. (And Celeborn won't let her pretend she won the confrontation.)
elliska · 18 September 2005 · Chapter 7: Revelation
‘How refreshingly naïve,’ I love Glorfindel. He is so wicked sometimes! ;-) I love the older generation sitting back discussing whether they should 'fess up and I love the twins' reaction: ‘They are all in on it,’ Elladan said incredulously. Hilarious! So shocked. The poor things. And as they ponder the whole thing out--too funny. This is just great.
Author's reply
Glorfindel just does this! Give him screen time and he starts being wicked. And polished. The cat is well out of the bag now - the elders might just as well put the best face they can on the story. But I don't thind E2 will want to let them get away with it that easily. (Except perhaps their naneth. I think she gets a free pass to do what she wants.) Glad you liked it.
elliska · 18 September 2005 · Chapter 6: Awareness
‘Underestimated,’ Elrond reminded her complacently. ‘Listen to your naneth.’ I love this line and I love that the revelations begin when the twins are returned to Valinor and begining to delight in living again. This was all very well portrayed.
Author's reply
Thank you. The twins have another 50-100 years of blessed ignorance yet, while their parents and grandparents - and Glorfindel - are able to relish their vocabulary. But the end is nigh! Though at least the twins will be healed and happy - and able to endure the revelation.
Armariel · 18 September 2005 · Chapter 0: From: the Paradise of Elves 71-72
teehee...I LOVE IT!!!! ewww, licking the dwarf king's armpits, such an image--I'll have nightmares! ROFLMAO!!!
Author's reply
Thank you. Elladan and Elrohir would be having nightmares too - if they weren't staying up wondering who knows about their embarrassment and trying to think how they can get their own back.
Lianna · 18 September 2005 · Chapter 8: Royal Displeasure
Legolas 1, Galadriel 0 Why am I enjoying that so much? And he's NOT little more than an elfling! Because that would make all of us little more than pedophiles. This story has certainly taken on a life of its own!
Author's reply
Well - to Galadriel he's little more than an elfling. But then she's older than the Sun and Moon. By a long way. He's less than half the age of her grandsons. But he's still over 1500 (by my reckoning). And his 'youth' makes his cool authority rather disconcerting to her - but she has a sneaking feeling he's right. Which makes her feel rather like a naughty elfling. Not a feeling she appreciates much. The story certainly has expanded way beyond its origins! I'm still having fun with it, though. Thank you.
grumpy · 18 September 2005 · Chapter 7: Revelation
I love this story. What a great joke the dwarves played on the twins, but it did spread arround. Gimli must have had a great time, trying not to laugh.
Author's reply
Thank you. The original dwarves can never have expected this joke to run ans spread over 3000 plus years. They'd have had even more fun with it if they had known! Gimli must have had a great time with it. Legolas probably found him unexpectedly amenable to any suggestion of spending time with the twins. But he would have been too loyal to the elf and ranger to take any other dwarves along for the laugh. (My brother's brother being my brother. Sort of.)
Kitty · 18 September 2005 · Chapter 8: Royal Displeasure
YEEES! Well done, Legolas! That was great how he not only didn't back away from Galadriel but gave her something of her own medicine! He was so very right, and I have grinned through nearly the whole chapter and enjoyed it so very much! One doesn't see Galadriel often in *such* a situation :D And it was fun how Galadriel and Celeborn in the end tried to find an excuse why their not-so-funny millennia old jest is not so bad as Legolas put it! You've made my day - thank you!
Author's reply
Galadriel found it very disconcerting. It's confusing to go into a meeting thinking you are the one about to do the scolding and then find yourself on the receiving end. Especially when you look at the other as being little past childhood. Like being attacked by a kitten. She'll see Legolas through different eyes now! I'm glad you enjoyed it.
daw the minstrel · 18 September 2005 · Chapter 8: Royal Displeasure
Good for Legolas. He acts like an adult with someone who's been around longer than dirt (no offense, Galadriel). He stands up for himself but isn't rude. As Celeborn says, he has the advantage of being right.
Author's reply
It must be hard to get full adult status around elves who are older than the Sun and Moon. And Legolas is still half the age of E2 - and they don't always get credit for being grown up. But he was mature and decisive - and right. And deep down Galadriel has to agree with him. And now they're into damage limitation. Thank you.
Jay of Lasgalen · 18 September 2005 · Chapter 8: Royal Displeasure
Way to go Legolas!! It's good to see Galadriel discomfitted for once, especially as she started out with the upper hand. It was funny to see Legolas squirming like a naughty elfling. I'm glad he turned the tables on her, especially as, as Celeborn says, he is in the right. Legolas has learned from his father, I think - he was a true Thranduilion here!
Author's reply
As long as Galadriel stuck to squashing him without words, she was onto a winner - but the trouble is, her argument is weak. Deep down, she knows it. So when Legolas donned his authority and spoke decisively and honestly (brave elf), it was hard to counter him. (He left at a good moment, too. No point getting into extended debate here.) He did well. I'm proud of him!