mystarlight · 23 June 2021 · Chapter 9: Reunited
Wonderfully written reunion!!! I am rereading your story and even more mesmerized than the first time I did it. You are a brilliant author. Thank you so much for this masterpiece.
Sweet Woodbine by Bodkin
Reviews (172)
mystarlight · 26 July 2018 · Chapter 1: Sweet Woodbine
I really love your story thank you for writing and sharing
EOIaCsbjdIanslQY · 31 May 2012 · Chapter 5: Making Progress
I really enyoejd your talk at Bournemouth. So glad to hear that you are feeling well. I live in Oxfordshire, but sadly we do not seem to have many machine knitters or clubs and I do not get to see fellow knitters. Most shows seem to be a bit far away,Bournemouth is nearest.Susan SugdenBicester Oxon
Larner · 2 January 2007 · Chapter 12: Resolution
Finally, the waiting over, the bonding begun. And love finds these two at last one, as they were intended to be. And I can certainly appreciate just how alarmed the interest of both Aule and Yavanna would make Taryatur.
Author's reply
Mmm. Knowing your son-in-law - about whom you have your doubts - is favoured by not just one, but two of the Valar ... It must make you realise that there is no point fighting the inevitable! And Legolas and Elerrina begin their lives together. It'll do both of them a power of good! Thank you for reading.
Larner · 1 January 2007 · Chapter 11: Communion
And at last he is the father of the bride, and I suspect he'll fulfill the role with far more grace than any expect. He's a good father, even if he is passing stubborn.
Author's reply
Taryatur is stubborn - but he means well. I think he will be won over in the end. Reluctantly and fighting all the way! But he will be a good and loving grandfather to Legolas's children, even when he is still watching his son-in-law with suspicion. And Legolas will be able to tolerate him - mostly - because he clearly does love his daughter dearly.
Larner · 1 January 2007 · Chapter 10: Beginnings
It is indeed time to get on with things. And Taryatur needs desperately to accept that. Sad to see the twins having to recover, and to learn that the last few generations of the Kings of Men have once again slipped away from their relationship with their ancestors and relatives. I can see why the final sailing took place when it did.
Author's reply
I suppose one of the problems elves have is that time doesn't mean very much. Taryatur is still suffering from a war he fought in over 6000 years before - taking 300 years or so to come round to his daughter's marriage is a flea-bite. The Age of Men - and men aren't good at remembering the lessons of the past. Even the long-lived Men of Gondor have passed several generations and shorter-lived people even more. It'd be like ... the French Revolution. Still remembered, but not in all its horror and pain. And Galadriel could feel it in the water, etc - the world was changing - and I think that part of that diminished the connection between elves and the lands of Hither. The last few elves remaining had to sail - or fade. The twins only just got out in time.
Larner · 19 December 2006 · Chapter 9: Reunited
Acceptance by Thranduil was unthinkable, was it? Taryatur has a great deal to learn of his future son-in-law's family, of course. That the newcomers should feel so weakened is not good. Apparently they lingered perhaps too long, almost to the point of beginning to fade. Glad they have their families' love to surround them now.
Author's reply
I wonder if Thranduil knew all the details, though! Although he might not have cared. Elerrina is the one for his son - and that is the important part. They did stay too long (in my version of events) - and without the power of Thranduil, Celeborn and Glorfindel might not have been able to endure the passage from the heart of Lasgalen to the sea. But they will recover now they are with their families.
Larner · 19 December 2006 · Chapter 8: Reaching
Ah, the joy of finding that the love is given now and no longer held back, only to have to suffer fools about him. And Haldir is aware some of their folk are being called to their own place across the mountains. News that in the end will please Thranduil and Celeborn as they, too, find themselves called further westward to the place unfolding for the children of the forests of Ennor.
Author's reply
Patience! I suppose it might come more easily to the immortal ... Or maybe not. And if there are lands across the mountains, there will have been elves drawn to make the journey. The new arrivals would be better for their own place, I think, even if I am of the opinion they should also learn to live in friendship!
Larner · 19 December 2006 · Chapter 7: Determination
Ah, hooray! At last the two of them are honestly acknowledging their feelings and moving to one another as is right and proper. And back home Taryatur has had to accept he, too, needs to accept reality when it presents itself. Now, to see it through to the inevitable marriage.
Author's reply
I set up - sort of - a very long courtship in other stories, so found myself bound by it when writing this. And I think that, actually, for these two, it was probably a very good thing. Legolas, certainly, needed time to regain his balance after the traumas of the War / the sea-longing / Ithilien / Elessar's death / Gimli's and his arrival in the BR / Gimli's death - he had survived on adrenaline for a good while, I think. And Taryatur, irritating as he can be, sincerely loves his daughter and wants the best for her. He just doesn't think Legolas is the best. (He'll probably come round. In time.)
Larner · 15 December 2006 · Chapter 6: Two Steps Back
I wish I had time to read more tonight, but I don't. So, it appears there is someone sabotaging the efforts of the Silvan and the Galadhrim to get along with the Noldor. Hmmm. And Legolas is about to give up, or so he feels right now? But to win through will be well worth it, I think they'll find. And already I see the lead-in to your next story. Love that Finrod is wanting this kept close for now. He's astute, I think, far more astute than many realize.
Author's reply
There are links in with Far Horizons going on in the background! And I suspect that, even in the Blessed Realm, there would have been tensions between the different races. After all, Feanor and the rest grew up there! Legolas needs his father, I think. He's lacking family at the moment - and is rather disheartened. But I don't think he'll give in. Not yet, anyway. Finrod is a special person, I think. He shines very brightly to my mind - and for all his gentleness and openness to experience, he is a king and a leader of elves.
Larner · 9 December 2006 · Chapter 5: Making Progress
I see advice is being offered on several sides, and all of it sage enough. Joy to all of them as each comes closer to his or her heart's desire.
Author's reply
Plenty of advice - and learning to accept advice graciously is probably a sign of maturity! Fingers crossed that the heart's desires pan out. (I suspect they probably will. In time. Even Taryatur might end up reconciled ... one day, in the far distant future!)
Larner · 30 November 2006 · Chapter 4: Taking Steps
Ah--Gimli's house sounds so beautiful. He was elvellon, after all.... And the advice given Legolas is true; and now Elerrina's father is finding himself forced to be polite to that wood elf! Hee!
Author's reply
Legolas had as much influence on Gimli as the reverse - and I think Gimli had a good eye for beauty (and a romantic heart) before he ever met the elf. Poor Taryatur. Like most fathers, all he wants is the best for his daughter - and like many fathers in similar situations, he remains to be convinced that this Wood elf merits her affections.
Larner · 30 November 2006 · Chapter 3: Growing Roots
I am so glad that Gimli is mentioned here, and the love Elf and Dwarf held for one another. Elerrina begins to learn more of the depths of love to which this one has been exposed; and she will in time come to appreciate his love also of Aragorn and his honor for Frodo and Sam, and his friendship with the rest of the Fellowship. And at last the two of them are beginning to be honest, at least in part.
Author's reply
For all Gimli's presence in Legolas's life took up quite a short part of an immortal life, I think he - and all those of the Fellowship - were very important in changing him from the rather provincial elf he may well have been at the beginning of their acquaintance. The situation in Mirkwood must have limited Legolas's experience of the rest of Middle-earth - and he had probably not had much to do with mortals and even less with dwarves. I think Elerrina has been very sheltered by a father who would, if he could, stop even a sharp wind hurting his precious daughter - but she has clear sight and an honest heart.
Larner · 30 November 2006 · Chapter 2: Slow but Sure
Ah, am catching up with this one at last. Lost track of it during one of the computer downtimes, apparently. The politics of a people who cannot help but remember the sins of those who left Aman over two ages past would indeed be complicated. Never forgotten, and mostly not forgiven indeed.
Author's reply
It must be very complex living in a world where everyone lives for ever - and can doubtless bear grudges over whole ages. You hope they would develop the ability to understand and forgive - but the history of the Noldor doesn't hold out much prospect of eternal serenity!
Tari · 11 August 2006 · Chapter 12: Resolution
WOW!!! What an excellent story. I loved every line of every chapter. Legolas is my favorite character in the LOTR. I am speechless. I look forward to reading the rest of your stories. Tari
Author's reply
Thank you - I'm so glad you liked it! When I started writing, I put off writing the story of Legolas's courtship - Legomances have such a bad name - but dived straight into making him a husband and father. But this story wanted to be told! I hope you enjoy the other stories.
Tari · 9 August 2006 · Chapter 8: Reaching
I adore this story. The thought of Elves, especially Elrond, playing ball had me smiling for the rest of the day. It's sometimes hard to imagine Elves like him having fun at all. They always seem so stern. I love seeing Legolas in a romantic situation. I just might write a story along those lines for my own entertainment. I also find it interesting that the different groups of Elves have trouble getting along. They're acting just like men.
Author's reply
Thank you! I do think Elrond had a lighter side - but it took Celebrian a lot to coax it out of him. The poor elf needs some play time - his role in Middle earth was very sobering! But, to a lot of these elves of Aman, Elrond is just a youngster ... which must seem rather strange when you're about 6500 years old. I didn't want to write romantic Legolas for a long long time - and side-stepped the issue by starting off with a married Legolas who rapidly acquired children. But he just wanted to tell his story of how he suffered for love! I find it very difficult to imagine Aman as a place of spiritless bliss - there are far too many far too determined and single-track minded elves there for life to be that peaceful! Even if they are all working with the best of intentions. I'm glad you're enjoying the story - thanks for reading.
Dinledhwen · 3 August 2006 · Chapter 12: Resolution
Bravo!!!! *claps and whistles enthusiastically* I love how Legolas and Elerrina ended up where they first met! I couldn't think of a better place where they could finally give in to their desires for each other. *sighs happily*
Author's reply
Thank you! I'm glad you enjoyed it. It took them a long time to overcome all the problems along the way, but at least they knew they loved each other enough for the struggle to be worthwhile. And I did enjoy returning them to the same glade! It seemed a good place for them to begin their new lives!
Dinledhwen · 2 August 2006 · Chapter 1: Sweet Woodbine
I have just finished reading the first chapter and found it delightful! I also skipped ahead and did a quick scan of the other chapters and have found that you too have put our beloved elf through much angst which I have done also. Poor elf! I hope he doesn't think we are ganging up on him! ; )
Author's reply
Poor Legolas! I sort of set out the prolonged torture in Reflections - and then the poor elf just had to endure the longest and most painful courtship. But he is elf enough to cope! And king's son / Lord of Ithilien enough to deal with the political pressures, too. But I admit it was very pleasant writing the end - he deserved some gratification! Thank you - I hope you enjoy the story!
elliska · 22 July 2006 · Chapter 12: Resolution
Catching up, blah, blah...you've heard it all before... You wrapped this up and finished tying it in to your other stories very nicely. The conversation about the new lands was great. I like the way the suggestion about all the discussions in Finrod's court is just dropped in there and I love the idea of Legolas having even more powerful allies in the Valar. I'd never considered it, but he would both for being Gimli's friend and for what he'd helped do. So I really loved the later part where Elerinna's family visits Aule--his gift to her is really fascinating. Poor Taryatur--I almost felt sorry for him during that conversation. Elerinna and Legolas's impatience is amusing. Poor things. The last few weeks, especially surrounded by foolish preparations. It would be maddening. Legolas is worried about something going wrong! Going into the woods with those two, he's lucky he didn't have something disastrous happen with them! ;-) I loved this part of their conversation: The perils of Middle-earth brought about nothing but polite co-operation between them – but this quest to get you joined in matrimony is almost exciting enthusiasm.’ Hehehe. Love those two. And I loved the gift Celebrian had for Elerinna to wear. Beautiful and all its history was wonderful. I love things like that. And I know you will be shocked to hear how much I loved Thranduil's part in this chapter. I think a little short story detailing Celeborn and Galadriel's wedding would be great. I definitely see things as you described them here. And I felt so for Thranduil, missing his wife and about to lose part of his son. It would be hard on him. But of course my favorite part was after Legolas and Elerinna's marriage. The description there is incredible! I love the finch and how she can hear the trees and how they 'approve' of her presence. And all the little details that show their bond and their love. So perfect. I know I say this every time, but I think this is my favorite story of yours. It is absolutely wonderful!
Author's reply
Thank you, elliska! I'm only too aware of the places where the join is rather obvious in these tales - and where the plaster is being smoothed over the cracks. And bits that don't quite manage to display continuity even there. I'm just hoping that nobody decides to read them all through in one go! If even I have a bit of a job remembering exactly who did what when, fingers crossed that other people won't notice either! It's so easy to get absolutely swamped in discussions that a reference in passing can save a whole lot of unnecessary conversation! And indicate the passage of time, too. On the whole 'it's not getting someone into the room that's hard, it's getting them out again' principle. Legolas would be of interest to the Valar, I think. He's done unusual things and been in unusual places. (And I have a suspicion the BR could get quite boring at times.) And as Mahtan's descendant, Elerrina is likely to stir Aule's interest - especially when it comes to a bond between a Noldo and a Dwarf-friend. Poor Taryatur, of course, is out-matched here - at so many levels. I rather enjoyed Thranduil being forced to appreciate Galadriel's aid in getting the wedding arranged. (She did, too.) And the head-dress just pushed itself in - and the story tying it all together. Galadriel enjoyed that, too. But thought it would come better from Celebrian. Elerrina and Legolas were at the edge by the time the wedding arrived. It was probably just as well that the twins carted Legolas off for an elven stag week ... (with real stags). And even better for them that they brought him back undamaged. This will be a hard time for Thranduil - but I think he really will find he's gaining a daughter. And he'll like that. Elerrina is open enough to new experience to embrace life as a Wood elf - although there will be complications at times. Not so much with the sort of things you thing about as with the instinctive behaviour that's so ingrained that you don't even realise you do it. But it's not all that long now - not even in human terms - before he will be reunited with his wife. I'm glad you liked the story, elliska. I don't know if a C&G wedding will make it to screen. I'd never say never ... and I'll keep it in mind!
lwarren · 20 July 2006 · Chapter 9: Reunited
I am fascinated with the way Legolas, Celebrian, Elrond and Galadriel become aware that their loved ones are finally on a ship coming to the BR, and how the Valar make certain that those who need to be dockside are there, no matter how long they must delay the ship's arrival! You have some very cool ideas about the BR, Bodkin...*bows and salutes the author*. I am always amazed at how very logical and well,...elvish you make it all sound. Haldir is so funny(Get a horse, Thranduilion, and get yourself to the sea!) And the first section with Thranduil's uncertainties and Celeborn's observations - you hit those characters right on, right down to Thranduil's petulance mixed with a hearty dose of fear ("It is too late to change our minds now") to Celeborn's calm confidence ("We will just have to make the best of it"). But undoubtedly my favorite part (and believe me, I have lots of little favorite parts!) is the actual docking. You have very deftly covered the emotions of the people waiting on the dock, Elerrina especially, as well as the tension of those on board the ship...Thranduil leaping from the bow of the ship and 'stalking' with that single-minded determination towards his son comes vividly to life! And those two words, "My daughter"...and that kiss of acceptance and welcome on Elerinna's forehead...I melted into a puddle right then and there. And of course, laughed myself sick in the next moment with Taryatur's "Just like THAT?" What a wonderful contrast of reactions there, Bodkin! Once again there is that tension between Legolas and Elerrina, communicated so nicely with their little fingers just touching....*sigh* *melts* *sighs again*... And what a heartfelt discussion follows as Legolas tries to explain further to Elerrina about battle and why he had to fight. "Everything comes with a cost...but there are times when you have no choice but to pay." The more Elerrina sees how open and honest he is, the stronger the steel in her backbone becomes! :-) She is gradually becoming the strong helpmeet he will need when they finally become betrothed! Lovely, lovely reunion! linda
Author's reply
It's tied in with elven family bonds, I think. Their fear are linked: parent/child, husband/wife. The Sundering Seas must have put a distance between them, if it didn't deaden the link altogether. Once the ship was on the Straight Path, they would have felt it like pins and needles in the soul. And time, I think, bends and stretches rather even in our own lives. Compare a day with a friend to sitting through half an hour on departmental budgets and which is longer? Thranduil - I don't think he really wanted to go. Would have stayed perhaps if he had felt the forest needed him. But once the forest became numb to the elves - he preferred sailing to impotence. Celeborn knows why he is going - and perhaps that makes it enough. I think Thranduil might sense Legolas's uncertainty about how he would receive Elerrina. It would be so typical of him to disconcert them all by accepting her without question - to reassure his son, to express his love and maybe to stamp his own seal on what was going on. Might well not have realised until later that she was Noldor - and then wouldn't have gone back on what he had said and done. Taryatur would thing 'typical! You can't rely on a Wood-elf for anything!' And again - little touches - and refraining from touch - is enough to set them both on fire. I think Elerrina's understanding is growing - sacrifice, self-discipline, standing between the innocent and any danger. And I think it's a good thing that they have enough time to learn about each other and share their understanding. I'm glad you enjoyed the reunion. This was a fun chapter to write because I knew what shape it had to take and it just flowed! Thank you, Linda.
lwarren · 19 July 2006 · Chapter 8: Reaching
Prologue - 'In Which a Reader Gets Carried Away'.... Part the first - 'Giving the Wood-Elf a Piece of His Mind' - I must say that Taryatur has become the expert at dragging his heels, even when presented with a fait accompli! I had been wondering how Elerinna's adar would take the 'hot gossip' of the infamous dance between his daughter and that 'wood-elf'. LOL He did not disappoint me! I am glad, tho', he finally agreed to allow Legolas to 'court' Elerinna. I suppose even a crumb (and rather a large one, in Taryatur's sight) is better than nothing! :-) Part the second - 'Not Quite What They Seem' - in which Litheredh discovers that one cannot tell a pepper by its cover! LOL An object lesson - as a teacher I do so appreciate them and this one is very effective. I am very much coming to like this innkeeper. He is extremely careful about not appearing to take sides, but he always gives Litheredh some very sage advice. Isn't this the first time anyone investigating the troublemakers thought to look amongst the wood-elves for the instigator? (I detect Ministan's fine hand stirring the pot, I think.) Part the third - 'Welcome to the Family' - in which Legolas has an enlightening conversation with his sensible brother-in-law-to-be and Camentur avoids a ruthless kin-shunning! The very thought of Elerrina putting slugs in Camentur's boots and pepper in his tooth powder had me howling! She is a dangerous elleth, yes indeed! (I loved the 'mindless stage' comment too! Ahhhhhh, young love.....how.......stirring! :-) or maybe not so young!) Part the fourth - 'I Have No Talent For This' - or how Legolas discovered he has not one scrap of talent for blowing glass! I loved this interlude, with Legolas trying to understand something Elerinna loves by actually doing it himself. So endearing...that unrecognizable blob! The discussion that follows concerning Gimli and Legolas' time in Middle-earth was a very important moment between these two. Elerrina needs to understand how his life is so very different from hers, and perhaps through their talks, Legolas might gain some insight into why her father is so afraid of him. You also create such a sensual tension between these two, Bodkin. It's very understated, yet very, very, very THERE! Part the fifth - 'Give an Ellon a Ball...' - or in which Galadriel and Celebrian enjoy a pleasant, if longing-filled talk of those yet to come to Aman. I heartily agreed with Celebrian here - it was so good to see Elrond happy and at play! Part the sixth - 'Go West, Young Elf!' - or in which Haldir finds himself witness to an amazing occurence! I cannot help but feel that all the land and forest to the west has been there, but kept out of sight and inaccessible until the elves of Ennor were ready to enter. Has Legolas' mother been rehoused by this time and found her way there yet? I must confess time is not my strong point! LOL I loved the mystery and magic of this section of the chapter - I got chills just reading it! Part the seventh - 'The Heir of the House of Oropher' - or the funny thing about oaks and their acorns! I loved that Legolas finally let that side of him show forth - I'm sure there was nothing like rank fawning stupidity to bring if out, especially if they were speaking against his Elerrina. Again another wise, insightful conversation with Litheredh being his usual kind, calm self. What a great chapter, Bodkin - sorry this review is so long, but if you insist on writing such wonderful stories, it is really all your fault if your readers get make your eyes cross with overly long reviews! :-) linda
Author's reply
Hi Linda! Taryatur's not keen - but I think they're beginning to wear him down! And once Legolas and Elerrina are side by side they will find it easier. And I rather like the inn-keeper. I'm not sure the Wood-elves would think to look in their own ranks - they're pretty sure that the Noldor are the big bad wolves that it might take a bit of a shove to make them turn that way. Camentur is fond of his little sister and knows what's best for him! He and Legolas could be good friends, I think, given the opportunity. Although I suspect Taryatur won't make it easy! I reckon even someone with talent would take a good few goes at glass-blowing to realise it - and Legolas doesn't really have much inclination. And now even Taryatur will grudgingly allow them to spend time together, they can talk and learn from each other about the earlier part of their lives - and Elerrina will have to learn more than Legolas I think! She has led a very sheltered life and even though she was born considerably earlier than he was, she is unaware of many of the things he takes for granted. Although he has to learn to accept her different experience and not belittle her for not being a war survivor. (I don't think he will - but there will be times in the future when the twins, Legolas and Miriwen will just look at Elerrina and Sirithiel in bemusement because they just don't know - and never can.) I think there is so much sensuality and sexual tension in a touch or a brush against each other - and, actually, that it is far more erotic than a lot of frenzied coupling! Playing will be good for Elrond. I always think he didn't play enough as a child and hope that Glorfindel and Celebrian made him spend a lot of time enjoying the youth of his own children. And the missing family will come. When they're ready. It was a good thing that Haldir was there. He's seen something - and, what is more, he's understood it ... sort of. It might have been a good idea to tell the elves what was going on rather than just leave them to hear the siren call - but it's probably quite good for them to work it all out for themselves. They'll value the outcome more! Legolas has always been a quite quiet and amiable elf - but he can do it if he wants to. He can don the Thranduil stare and the Oropher imperiousness - and his opponent will remember just how good he is with that bow and take a step back! I'm glad you enjoyed it, Linda. And it's a lovely review. A pleasure to read and respond!
Ellie · 18 July 2006 · Chapter 12: Resolution
I loved this last chapter and especialy the two finding themselves outside with no clue as to how they got there, and naked no less. Too funny! Loved your note at the end as well. I am so bummed that this story is complete. It was sooo wonderful! Please go write something else long and wonderful with all of my favorite elevs in it. I need another excellent story to look forward to receiving updates for. As always, I love your writing. Please keep up the good work!
Author's reply
Thank you! I think, if they look around them, they might find Legolas's formal robes and a large sheet... They left the house wearing whatever was handiest. Not, I think, that they will be looking for a while - they are otherwise occupied! I'm sorry to see it end, too - but Legolas and Elerrina are extremely pleased. They feel they were made to wait long enough as it was! I shall be starting something else soon. I have had a suggestion that a Finrod/Amarie story might be interesting.... Thank you for reading! I'm glad you enjoyed it.
Redheredh · 16 July 2006 · Chapter 12: Resolution
A lovely ending! And practically back where we started - under a tree bird-watching! :D Not quite sure how they got there, either. *g* That was delightfully amusing. I also love how elvish your elves actually are even in love. The favour of the Powers could be as dangerous to those who received it as their disapproval. How very true! Camentur is shocked at Legolas' heritage? But, he knew he was of Silvan blood, didn't he? Still, an interesting reaction on his part - even though he did recognize Legolas' obvious point. About saving Surion's life, as well. I really like Oropher's defensive anger about people believing Celeborn was henpecked. Her 'ever-presence' is exactly how I would think he'd like things to be, especially after the last thing he said to Aragorn. Ha! How typical that the mother of the bride would want the kind of wedding for her daughter that she really wanted for herself. It was a pity that she had no family left to approve or attend if there was a formal event. But, there are pluses for both the private and public ceremonies as you nicely pointed out. Hmm, I guess Orodreth changed his mind after he fell in love with a Sindarin lady of his own. Very appropriate that Thranduil receive advise and understanding from an elder and that it be Celeborn. I have to comment on the writing. I loved that description comparing the trees to gossiping matrons. Just wonderful. And you do that all the time! You paint beautifully with words - yeah, that sounds trite, but it's still the truth. *Three* lines of asterisks at the end? Where the camera usually pans away because... Well, at least you did not say 'The End'. We know that they will live happily ever after. About the NOTE, I think you do a great job with sub-text to get your points across. Any truly civilized people with tell you that love is a madness that is usually cured with time. Usually... ;)
Author's reply
I think the night and the moon and the song of the trees just called them. And they were so wrapped up in their emotions that logic just didn't come into it. The wedding was probably at Elerrina's home - which wasn't far from this particular glade. They might just have wanted to revisit the place they met ... Different chaffinch, though. I don't think chaffinches reach 300 or so, even in the Blessed Realm. Whom the gods love, die young, as they say. And Feanor agrees that it's not necessarily a good thing to have too much attention. Not shocked, I think. Disconcerted. He knows Legolas as a Sindarin prince of the Silvan realms - and since Legolas's mother isn't around, perhaps he just didn't think much about her. I think Oropher would probably be far more offended on Celeborn's behalf than Celeborn would be on his own - and hold it against Galadriel, too. But Celeborn is confident enough not to worry - he knows his value and how he and Galadriel work together and doesn't care what others think. And Galadriel wanted Celebrian's wedding to be an affirmation - and an expression of pride in both parties. Which is probably what she found lacking in a more informal bond - she would do what she chose, but I don't think she would want to feel hole-in-the-corner about it. And Orodreth just strikes me as stiffer and more rule-bound. Less open to experience. Celeborn's support will help Thranduil, I think. His understanding probably, even more. Thank you! I'm pleased you like the style. I'm flattered. Well - adding notes isn't too much like me, but I thought I'd better at this point. And they will be happy - and we already know various outcomes. And I like to think that passion may moderate, but love remains. At least in the Blessed Realm!
Nilmandra · 15 July 2006 · Chapter 12: Resolution
A lovely end to this tale. I am glad to see Legolas and Elerrina married at last, love that Galadriel and Thranduil found something to work well together on (vs begrudgingly) and I love the idea that Celeborn and Galadriel took matters into their own hands in Doriath, long ago. I enjoy exploring the concepts of elven bonding - really anything that reminds that the elves are not humans. As relationships change, so do those bonds. And when relationships are intact, those bonds undergo appropriate changes pretty smoothly. But when relationships are not intact... well, much as with our fallen world, there are unforseen and painful things to experience. It had to kill Legolas watching the twins come after him and marry before him, while he and Elerrina waited. :/
Author's reply
Thank you! The poor things had a long wait, but at least they both knew, after the first century or so, that they wanted each other. Miriwen, on the other hand, felt a pull towards Elladan some three centuries before she sailed - and then it was another five or so before he crossed the sea. Although he then fell pretty quickly. And at least they didn't have to fight family disapproval! I reckon Galadriel and Thranduil could like each other - if they ever got past the sniffy stage. (I suspect Thranduil was very resentful of the female who took his cousin away. And Oropher's attitude certainly won't have helped.) And yes - I think that in the end, C&G would have given up on trying to please others and settled on pleasing themselves. Elven bonding is a fascinating concept - parent / child bonds, in a way, even more than bonds in marriage. Picturing the ability to live, if not in each other's minds, aware of each other's emotional state ... well, it has advantages, but it could be difficult too. Changes would come harder on parents, I think. Kids expect change - and the emotion of bonding might well be the trigger that makes parents shut off that link ... but it could leave feelings of emptiness. Hard for Legolas to see the twins marry first - but if he comes to thing about it, he must have worked out that Miriwen had been waiting even longer than he had - and with far less prospect of a happy outcome.
Armariel · 15 July 2006 · Chapter 12: Resolution
Well, that ended with quite a bang--ahem--really lovely idyll there in the woods! It was cute about Taryatur being horrified over the Valar attending the wedding, and really diplomatic of them to resolve the matter as they did! Those little subtle touches are a delight. Interesting point (in the previous chapter, which I forgot to mention) about elves who have never known war or strife and have never had to fight for their lives or their country, growing up soft and narrow and perhaps a bit mean-spirited. I've thought of the same things myself. I guess if you're looking at the same things it's likely you'll see the same things. The jewel sounds gorgeous, although I couldn't help but think, "Well, where is she going to wear it?" lol Lovely and non-fangirly depiction of Legolas altogether! ~~~{~@
Author's reply
Where better for a Wood elf than in a wood. Surrounded by trees. (I think Elerrina would feel a lot more uncomfortable about it all, were she not in a state of post-wedding euphoria!) I can see Taryatur's point - those who attract too much attention from the Powers tend to come to no good ends. And I think the Valar have probably withdrawn rather from too much contact with the elves. ... Doesn't mean they don't want their words taken seriously, though! I think a lot of the way we react to events reflects our experience - and I don't see that elves would be any different. If the worst thing you've ever endured was it raining on your party, then you're not going to find sacrifice and death easy to grasp - and similarly, if you've grown up somewhere where you've struggled to feed your people through winter and defend them against evil, you're going to curl your lip a bit against the softies who have never endured anything worse than a shortage of strawberries. But it is all relative - and, quite often, good people are good people wherever you find them. The jewel - I don't know if it's for wearing ... more a treasure, I think. And I was thinking that it might have some kind of draw to the west where it belonged ... maybe part of ensuring that the elves end up in the right place. Thank you - I'm glad you enjoyed it. More, I expect, soon!