On Being the Youngest by Bodkin
ShimmeringWater · 18 June 2007 · Chapter 1: On Being the Youngest
Nice job. This is a perspective I've never heard before.
Author's reply
Thank you, ShimmeringWater - (what a nice name) - I'm glad you enjoyed it. It was fun putting Legolas and Pippin together.
Larner · 21 November 2006 · Chapter 1: On Being the Youngest
Although I myself have never thought of Legolas of being particularly young, as he remembers the search for the Entwives, nevertheless the thoughts here are marvelously presented from the point of view of one who is young yet more capable than others are likely to recognize--at least at first. And I love that the tree seeks to hide Pippin! Wonderful!
Author's reply
Legolas seems young to me - at least in elven terms - open-minded and curious to experience life beyond the shadows of his home - and I like to think of him sharing those qualities with a young Took. Thank you!
Raksha The Demon · 16 November 2006 · Chapter 1: On Being the Youngest
I came across this gem at the MEFA 2006 Awards, finally got around to reading and reviewing it, and am very glad I did! The image of Pippin and Legolas sharing a tree-branch and a conversation in Rivendell is endearing enough, but their conversation, and the differences and kinships it reveals between the two future Walkers, is delightful. The writer characterizes Pippin beautifully, as a very young, optimistic, hobbit, but not an utter nitwit, frightened of the horrors that would await him if he is chosen for the Fellowship but also wanting to go to support Frodo, and also showing considerable native cunning in his assessment of the most desirable qualities for the dangerous adventure. Legolas is friendly, yet distant from the hobbit because of the gulfs that lie between hobbit and elf as well as the difference between the beloved heir of a provincial squire in a sunny, peaceful land and a warrior-prince raised in a land besieged by darkness and monsters. Yet there is respect and liking between the two future comrades. The speech patterns are perfectly appropriate to hobbit and elf, which is not an easy thing to write, let alone bring off so well. I loved Legolas' line: ‘And when you are talking to elves who remember the War of Wrath, you know you will never have a hope of being considered truly adult.’ It really brings home the otherness of the Elves, by noting that there are those among them who recall battles fought 6000 years before! Yet the sentiment of mild frustration by a person looked upon as youthful by older ones who have seen war a long time ago, is universal. A marvelous look at two beloved LOTR characters.
Author's reply
Thank you, Raksha. I'm glad you liked it. Pippin will soon outgrow being the youngest - but Legolas won't! Not, at least, until he's in the Blessed Realm. I think they would have found they had something in common - and they are both open and curious enough to want to learn more about eath other. This was fun to write - they are interesting characters to play with.
Pearl Took · 17 August 2006 · Chapter 1: On Being the Youngest
Judging by the number of reviews this has, I don't "get out" enough! This is a wonderful story! I found out about it from Dreamflower's "The Three Hunters". I love how easily you have Legolas and Pippin relate to each other, and that Legolas senses the intelligence in Pippin. ********* ‘I am remarkably young for an elf, master hobbit. If you listen, you will hear me being reminded of it constantly.’ The look they exchanged contained a significant amount of fellow feeling. ‘Do they say ‘when you’re as old as I am’?’ Pippin asked. ‘And ‘of course, you’re too young to remember’ and ‘when you’ve had a bit of experience, then you’ll be able to talk’?’ ‘Pretty much,’ the elf admitted. ‘And when you are talking to elves who remember the War of Wrath, you know you will never have a hope of being considered truly adult.' **************** This passage is priceless!! Bravo, Bodkin :) :) :)
Author's reply
Thank you - I'm glad you like it. Just think, too. Pippin will outgrow being the youngest - and have children and grandchildren and one day be an old gaffer. Legolas never will. Even if he marries in the Blessed Realm and has his own children he will always be thousands of years younger than most other elves. (I really don't envy them their immortality at all!)
AspenJules · 17 August 2006 · Chapter 1: On Being the Youngest
Oh, Bodkin, this was an absolute delightful read! I learned about it from a quote and a link in Dreamflower's The Three Hunters and came to see for myself and I'm so glad I did! There's so many parts I enjoyed, and many others have commented on them as well, but one thing in particular that I liked was that the beech was unwilling to give up its secret that Pip was hiding there, and that that was a bit surprising to Legolas. I'm sure he was used to being the one with the *best* relationship with the trees, and to find a tree torn in its loyalties between him and someone else must have made him even more interested in making Pippin's acquaintance. I love your Pip-voice. He's so sensible and matter-of-fact and yet you see why he feels free to be goofy and irresponsible at the same time. As you've said in some of your replies, he *is* supremely confident, in his relative ignorance of the evils out there, in his youth, and in his utmost determination to go with Frodo (because Frodo *needs* him and Merry) whether he's chosen or not by Elrond. Another aspect I found thought-provoking was the discussion of who was to go. Beyond the whole "noticeable vs. unobtrusive" debate, I was wondering if it wasn't also a "too many cooks" scenario. If you have a wizard/Maia, the future king of men, an elf-lord of Glorfindel's stature... would you have conflict with who leads? They ended up having difficulties with Boromir feeling in charge too. Not that Glorfindel couldn't have gotten along but... they had leaders enough... did he consider wanting others with a good range of skills but without delusions of leadership? Choosing a *young* elf, warrior none-the-less, but one more amenable to others leading, might have played a role as well. And just what did he tell Thranduil?!? Now there's a story to tell! Finally, it was a lovely bit where Legolas becomes aware of just how protected the Shire is. That must have been a little bittersweet for him, with how dangerous his own home and growing up was, to realize that Pip had been able to grow up the way he did. At the same time, I'm sure his respect for the hobbits grew as he realized how much of a leap it was for them to go out into the dangerous world, and his understanding of their love for Frodo because it was for him that they were doing it. And I imagine him beginning to feel protective for them because he's so much more knowledgeable than they are about just how dangerous it could get, even if he *doesn't* have as much knowledge of the world as others might - he has more than they do. Ok, sorry this turned into a novel, but it all just set me thinking....
Author's reply
Thank you! I can see Pippin having a good relationship with trees, somehow. Merry - not so much - though he is a water hobbit! Although Pippin is so young, he has spent most of his life associating with older hobbits and I think he has a good head under his apparent insouciance. I see what you mean about too many leaders! I like Boromir, but I think he was a bit uncomfortable in the Fellowship - Faramir, as a Ranger would have been a better fit ... except that, in the end, it was far more important for him to be in Ithilien that day. Boromir's not good at being shadowy - the rest of them are quite good at slipping through though. Even Gandalf. But I doubt Thranduil was pleased when Legolas didn't come back. In a way, it's rather nice to realise that not everybody lives in an environment as threatened as your own. It can also be rather embittering - but I think Legolas would appreciat it - and recognise the courage that brought these four out of the Shire. And he would want to protect them - it's part of his nature, I think. It's fun speculating on all these characters! I'm glad you enjoyed this.
elliska · 19 November 2005 · Chapter 1: On Being the Youngest
This is great. I so can see this conversation happening. This dialogue was just great--it is amazing to me how much depth you work into a fun/lively conversation. I love Pippin and Legolas having so much in common--right down to liking apples. And I think you captured Pippin's voice really well here. Wonderful!
Author's reply
Thank you. Dreamflower said something about 'No Legolas and no hobbitses' and suddenly this picture just popped into my head - and they started to talk. It's funny to think, too, that little Pippin is much more likely to grow out of being the youngest soon than Legolas - who will have to wait until he gets to the Blessed Realm. It had me wondering if one of the reasons he really took to his mortal friends was because they were young and light-hearted. I'm glad you like Pippin - hobbits can be hard. They're both more mature and younger than you think. At the same time. Typical hobbits!
lwarren · 17 November 2005 · Chapter 1: On Being the Youngest
This is so refreshing - just the thought of these two 'up a tree' and engaging in some light-hearted (yet somehow serious) reflection is intriguing. I have always liked the thought of Legolas and Pippin becoming fast friends while on the quest (ever since reading "Fate and the High King's Falcon"). This is so enjoyable - I dearly love the way your dialogue just flows along, with little gems of insight and humor scattered along the way! "You can't not notice Glorfindel." Isn't that the truth, Pip? And I had to grin hugely at poor Legolas' observation that when talking to elves who had lived through the War of Wrath, you know you will never have a chance to be considered an adult! LOL Well, I guess if you look at it THAT way... :-) Anyway, this was great stuff, and somewhat of a surprise...but I loved it! Here's to surprises...may Bodkin bless us with many more...... linda
Author's reply
Thank you! I think a tree would be a good place for Pippin and Legolas to get to know each other - and I reckon they would get on. Pippin has a mischievous streak a mile wide that seems to go with the light-heartedness of wood elves. Elrond must have been looking for a team to sneak through - and Glorfindel certainly isn't a good candidate for that. Far too golden. Legolas is a lot older than Pippin, for sure - but at least Pippin has a chance of growing out of being the youngest and making his mark on the Shire. Legolas, on the other hand, is going to remain the youngest until he settles in the Blessed Realm - and even then, he is still going to be surrounded by elves old enough to remember the Two Trees / living under starlight / waking at Cuivienen. Growing up must mean a whole different thing to elves. I'm glad you liked it. Not an area I've touched on before - but fun.
eliza61 · 15 November 2005 · Chapter 1: On Being the Youngest
Bodkin, As usual you have written another great story. I can see Pippin & Legolas hiding in a Beech, chomping apples and chatting away the day. Isn't there a saying "out of the mouths of babes". Even after a run in with the Nazgul, Pippin still believes he can help out. I think maybe perhaps Elrond knew their worth after all (Hey, being son in law to Galadriel some thing must of rubbed off.) Anxiously awaiting your next post, Eliza
Author's reply
Thank you. The Nazgul incident doubtless knocked Pippin's confidence for a bit - but he's young enough to bounce back - and he's not about to let Frodo dive into adventure without a Took by his side. Legolas's curiosity and openness to new experiences must have made him a good elf for the task - that and that, being young and having been mostly confined to Mirkwood, he was not on Sauron's equivalent of radar. Elrond was very wise to go with his instincts on this rather than more everyday common sense. (Son-in-law to Galadriel - a tough call, but no-one better than the descendant of Elwe, Melian, Finwe etc to take it on. He had toughness bred in his bones!) More - of something or other - soon!
Redheredh · 14 November 2005 · Chapter 1: On Being the Youngest
...been running on Ent-time lately... Too funny! Besides being enormously clever and insightful! "Remarkably young" seems right to me. ;)
Author's reply
Thank you! Ent-time sounds a good sort of time. As long as everyone else is operating on it too. I can see elements of these two that would draw them towards each other - quite apart from being the youngest, although that is certainly a bond! And they are the best candidates for the job. I'm glad Elrond saw that!
perelleth · 14 November 2005 · Chapter 1: On Being the Youngest
Queen of dialogue is your other nick, isn't it? This was so refreshing, just before going home! I really liked the exchange between this two... the way they both knew ( and we ignored) what was going on, Pppin's unfathomable's pockets, Legolas amused reflections upon his own role and his home... Pippin's matter of factly comments about hobbits and how they must stick together... and he knowing about the search party. Lovely! And I can see Legolas musing about those sentences "When you're as old as I am..." LOL the gap age is way more aggravating, in his case! :-) You are doing a great job, Bodkin, at least in bringing smiles, and food for thought to me! thanks! :-)
Author's reply
Poor Legolas. At least Pippin's life as the youngest has a likely end to it! But Legolas won't get to know younger elves until he sails - I wonder if that is some of the attraction of his mortal friends - and he will eternally be surrounded by those who are literally ages older than he is. This was fun. I can just picture Merry earnestly looking for his cousin as Pippin sits and chills out in a tree. (Hobbits have hints of the elven about them as far as I'm concerned - an empathy with the natural world and an ability to disappear in plain sight.) Thank you. I love these little stories that jump out full-grown and just ask to be written.
Andrea · 14 November 2005 · Chapter 1: On Being the Youngest
"If we’re going to sneak, we need to be people who can get by without being noticed. You can’t not notice Glorfindel." LOL! "Pippish" is great - and true!
Author's reply
Glorfindel is just not not noticeable! Pippish - but right. Thank you. I reckon Elrond ended up with the right guys for the job!
SlightlyTookish · 14 November 2005 · Chapter 1: On Being the Youngest
I enjoyed this very much! Interaction between Legolas and Pippin is so rare, and this is a lovely moment of them starting to get to know one another better. I really did love the "I'm a Wood Elf" and "I'm a Took" exchange :)
Author's reply
Thank you - I think Legolas and Pippin will have got on quite well - they both have a twinkle in their eyes. Hobbits, too, seem to have something akin to elvishness in their ability to disappear at will. They're both a credit to the Fellowship - I'll bet Elrond ends up very glad he chose them!
The Karenator · 14 November 2005 · Chapter 1: On Being the Youngest
What a delightful tale, Bodkin. I love how you've portrayed Pippin as young and enthusiastic, but not a child. And he has the shrewdness of a confident youth. Legolas is also well done. I like that he's not confident of being a good choice for the Fellowship and can commiserate with Pippin about being the youngest. He shares Pippin mischievous nature and seems to accept that being youngest has its drawbacks and indeed, its privileges. The conversation about Glorfindel and the sons of Elrond was also a great touch. That flowed perfectly into Pippin's reasoning about why he and Legolas were good choices. Low profile is better than flash. Gandalf would be enough to draw attention to them. I got a kick out of Pippin figuring out that everyone was looking for him and Legolas was part of the search party. I enjoyed this. As always, you've done a great job of cutting the heart of the matter in few words, but those words carry a terrific punch. Karen
Author's reply
Hobbits might not reach their majority until 33 - but Pippin is 28. (It'd be a bit like the coming of age at 21 days - no-one thought 18 too young to fight on the front line.) He might take advantage of getting away with being a tween, but he is an intelligent hobbit trained to take up a leadership role - he's not as green as he's cabbage-looking! I don't see Legolas as having done a lot of travel. He's certainly not popping backwards and forwards to Imladris regularly - he is mainly a young (for an elf) warrior in Mirkwood. (Song title - How you gonna keep them down on the farm, now that they've seen Paree!) He knows that: he's good at that - but he is young, he knows his experience is not extensive and he's not a big-head. But he can see that Pippin has a point - what Elrond needs is low-profile, skilled supportive companions. After all, he's already got Mithrandir - and Aragorn - for any fancy stuff. Pippin knows Merry - and Merry wouldn't have him disappear over mealtimes without demanding a search party. Legolas is obliging enough to volunteer. Thank you. I'm glad you liked it - it was a bit of an impulse write. But fun.
harrowcat · 14 November 2005 · Chapter 1: On Being the Youngest
I really enjoyed this Bodkin. I am the eldest of two and a girl so I got the opposite problems. You can’t not notice Glorfindel.’ I had to grin at this! And Pippin'sperception that Legolas hadn't simply found him by chance was a wonderful twist at the end!
Author's reply
I'm glad you liked it. Pippin's logic is very Pip-like! And at least he doesn't stay the youngest indefinitely. I think Legolas will remain the youngest until he finally makes it to the Blessed Realm - when he will probably be completely bemused by the over-abundance of elflings! Glorfindel does have a . . . presence. He would be very hard to overlook. And Pip knows that Merry would never let him disappear for hours without sending out a search party.
Linda Hoyland · 13 November 2005 · Chapter 1: On Being the Youngest
Very sweet !
Author's reply
Thank you.
pippinrocks · 13 November 2005 · Chapter 1: On Being the Youngest
loved it !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Author's reply
Thank you. It was fun!
Rose Sared · 13 November 2005 · Chapter 1: On Being the Youngest
Rather a nice take on pre-fellowship Legolas and Pippin. So strange to see our favorite archer uncertain, and our equally fav hobbit so sure of himself. All the fellowship carried responsibilities to kin, I suppose; so the choice of who went just get more and more interesting, really. Poor old Elrond must have wanted to run screaming out of the door after them just after they left, and been second guessing himself right up to the moment the ring went into the fire. Most enjoyable Bod, and I hope you will be pleased to know that the muses have poked me with hook-like talons and squeezed the first few lines of the conclusion of my rather large arc out of me. It is called Coda, and probably will not be up until early December as Theresa has a large writing project on. Thanks for the continued encouragement and chocolate. Rose
Author's reply
I don't really see the Legolas-hopping-backwards-and-forwards-to-Imladris scenario. Too much going on in Mirkwood. Too big an age gap for him and the twins to be friends (yet). Imladris would, I think, seem quite alien to him - and almost indecently safe and prosperous. And his elders aren't just 50 years older than him. Some of them pre-date the sun! And he will remain the youngest until he goes to the Blessed Realm. Pippin - has the confidence of youth. And the confidence of the protected, too. I really, really wouldn't have wanted Elrond's job of choosing the best people to go. Or his task of dealing with the fall-out afterwards. (Can you imagine Thranduil's delight?) I'm so glad that the muses are dancing on your feet! And December's not long now - good, it gives me something to look forward to. Have more chocolate - it's brain-food!
Larner · 13 November 2005 · Chapter 1: On Being the Youngest
Which, of course, they did. Lovely ideas here, Bodkin; and the fool of a Took is showing the wisdom for which he will be reknowned.
Author's reply
Pippin is very observant, I think. Not always sensible, perhaps, but he is very young - and I think he has a skewed way of looking at things that can be incredibly useful. Legolas is fated to remain one of the youngest elves until he gets to the Blessed Realm - when he will be surrounded by those who are not only younger but also completely inexperienced (to him) in the evils of the world. (I wonder if dealing with mortals made him feel more mature. Or whether the speed of their lives just made him feel younger.)
meckinock · 13 November 2005 · Chapter 1: On Being the Youngest
I really liked young but not fluffy-headed Pippin, taking a little down-time to get away from all the business that isn't about him. The fact that Legolas can find common ground with him so easily probably answers the question of why Elrond might choose him for the quest. I never thought of Legolas as being the youngest anything before, but he and Pip seem to have bonded quite well over it.
Author's reply
Pippin is a clever hobbit - and the sort of person who looks at things from an angle, I think. Which actually means he would probably be quite useful to have around. Legolas is young enough - and has spent most of that time in Mirkwood fighting the incursions of the shadow - that he is very open to new experience. What is more, apart from a prejudice against dwarves, he has no baggage when it comes to dealing with men and halflings, which makes him a good candidate for the quest. And Glorfindel is just too noticeable for the quest - and too powerful. Between him and Gandalf, all the rest would be doing was walk. Not helpful as far as the King coming into his own.
Grey Wonderer · 13 November 2005 · Chapter 1: On Being the Youngest
This is wonderful! I found this through a link that Dreamflower had posted to her LJ and I am very pleased that she did. This has so much in it that I love. The fact that the tree was reluctant to give away Pippin's hiding place and the fact that Legolas is considered young among his people and the fact that Pippin knows Merry is searching for him. I loved the way Pippin went from being convinced that he wouldn't be allowed to go on the quest to convincing Legolas that maybe they both had a chance. That was so like Pippin! Great story!
Author's reply
I read Dreamflower on the fanon of Pippin and tree-climbing . . . but I somehow picture hobbits as being a little elven in their association with nature. They are good at being quiet and going unnoticed - and that goes with a sort of empathy with the world around them. And then, trees bear a lot of edible fruit and nuts - that would itself tempt hobbits to climb! Can you imagine being the youngest when the elders were around before the sun rose? They would never really believe you were old enough to think for yourself. But Legolas is open to new experiences - like Pippin - which makes the pair of them good candidates. Merry's concern about Pip's whereabouts is a pretty good indication of why he should go, too. Very protective! Thank you. I'm glad you liked it. I don't do many stories with hobbits - but this just came!
GamgeeFest · 13 November 2005 · Chapter 1: On Being the Youngest
‘Well – I’m young enough to be optimistic.’ LOL, that's Pippin alright! Loved this exchange between Pippin and Legolas. Though Legolas still has a good deal more years that Pippin (and indeed most of the Fellowship) we often forget that he is considered young amongst elves. Pippin is perfectly pippish here too, twisting his words about and yet still managing to have them make sense.
Author's reply
Well - Pippin has more experience now of the dangerous side of life, but I think he's still young enough to have pushed the fear out of his mind as Frodo recovered. And, in Rivendell, I think the dangers would seem far away. He seems to me to be one of those people whose vision is slightly skewed - he sees thing in a slightly different way that often offers an insight to others. (And he's right that Glorfindel is rather noticeable!) Poor Legolas will remain the youngest until he sails. I wonder if that is one of the attractions of his mortal friends? Together, probably, with all those older and wiser elves shaking their heads and saying it's not a good idea. And his openness to new experiences and different races would make him a good elf for the job.
shirebound · 13 November 2005 · Chapter 1: On Being the Youngest
This is an absolutely delightful conversation! Pippin is certainly no one's fool. I especially loved these two passages: Why does he need you more than anyone else?’ ‘He’s a hobbit,’ Pippin answered in surprise. ‘Hobbits need other hobbits. It’s bad enough finding yourself in a world that’s too big, without being cut off from your family. Frodo needs Merry and me because we make him laugh and because we give him someone to look after – and he needs Sam to look after him.’ And... ‘But you would still choose to go?’ A reluctant respect tinged the elf’s voice. ‘Well – I’m young enough to be optimistic.’ Pippin’s sharp eyes assessed the fair prince. ‘And so are you. If we’re going to sneak, we need to be people who can get by without being noticed. You can’t not notice Glorfindel.’
Author's reply
Thank you. Pippin is as sharp as a tack - but still young and inexperienced enough that he assumes that everyone else knows what is clear to him. I think he has a slightly off-centre way of looking at things, too - that often illuminates matters for other people. In fact, Elrond might find this conversation interesting - and more likely to incline him towards sending these two than any arguments. I don't think Elrond would have chosen Glorfindel to go, but he must have looked at his sons and wondered how he could send others into this danger and not them. But his vision was true!
French Pony · 13 November 2005 · Chapter 1: On Being the Youngest
This is adorable! I love the "kids' conspiracy." I've always kind of thought that Legolas was pretty young -- I first read LOTR as a precocious ten-year-old, and Legolas impressed me as being much more at my level than most of the characters, including Frodo and Sam, who all seemed very grown-up. I love the way you talk about the differences between Rivendell and Mirkwood, and some of the similarities between Rivendell and the Shire. The image I get is of Pippin, prolonging his adolescence as long as he can get away with it, and Legolas, who didn't have nearly as carefree a childhood, getting a chance to play a little in the company of the hobbits. It's a delightful scene.
Author's reply
Thank you! Kids - at 28 and x hundred - and the one who is still under age is the one who will get to grow and change. It must be so difficult to grow up as an elf, surrounded by immortals who have seen the world since before the sun rose. Legolas is light-hearted and wide-eyed at the wonder of what he sees beyond the wood that has been his life - it's half his charm. Pippin is in no real rush to take on the responsibilities of adulthood - he knows they will come soon enough - and I think he has a slightly different way of looking at things that makes him interesting. Legolas has had plenty of responsibility - but he still has a certain naivety and freshness about him. And hobbits always seem to me to have a touch of the elven about them - closer perhaps to elves than men. I reckon Legolas would get on well with Merry and Pippin, especially. Frodo is too sober - still too hurt, really, and burdened - and Sam is too awe-inspired by elves at the moment, but Merry and Pippin are as open and interested as the elf.
Ellie · 13 November 2005 · Chapter 1: On Being the Youngest
Cute little tale and so full of "young" logic and wisdom! What a fun read!
Author's reply
Thank you! Pippin is only just beginning to realise the dangers of life beyond the Shire - but he is no fool and he is determined. Then there's the difference between being young at 28 and young at x hundred. But they both have to put up with their fellows wondering if they're up to the task. I'm glad you liked it.
MaidenofValinor · 13 November 2005 · Chapter 1: On Being the Youngest
Too, too, too adorable. Rarely are moments between Pippin and Legolas seen. I love it! I love the fact that neither of them think they're going to be sent on the quest. And "you can't not notice Glorfindel"? Very true. Very clever. Good work.
Author's reply
Thank you. I reckon they would both find being the youngest rather a trial. Although, of course, Legolas is rather stuck with the status! Pippin knows Frodo would really rather he went home - and Legolas can see so many better, more highly skilled candidates. And yet they are both needed! Glorfindel is highly noticeable. In more ways than one!