A New Year by Bodkin
Dreamflower · 15 January 2014 · Chapter 1: A New Year
I've been re-reading "Reflections" on my Nook, and felt a hankering for this story. It's just as satisfying now as it was a few years ago! Thank you again for showing the respect that those who knew held for the ones who were responsible for the end of the Third Age.
Dreamflower · 7 October 2011 · Chapter 1: A New Year
I just finished re-reading "Reflections", which I uploaded on my Nook, and felt the need to seek out this particular gapfiller, probably one of my two favorite stories of yours (the other being "On Being the Youngest"). It still affected me deeply, seeing the love and honor still paid to Frodo and the others by those who knew them once. I wonder, would it make Legolas feel better or worse to know that once Sam, Merry and Pippin had left the Shire, that Frodo's contributions to his own homeland were either forgotten or passed into legends of ridicule? While it might help him to know that complacency and ignorance are not totally the purview of Elves in Valinor, I think it would have made him unutterably sad to realize Frodo wasn't even honored in his own homeland. But I do see E2L persisting in their efforts over the millenia, and with Gandalf's help, and Galadriel's and Elrond's, they might actually accomplish more than they expect. Thank you so much! I miss having new stories from you from time to time, but I love re-reading the others, a wonderful gift to us all.
shirebound · 17 August 2007 · Chapter 1: A New Year
‘We have time,’ Legolas said as he shifted his grip on his daughter. ‘It is one thing that we have in plenty. It may be that it is our task to make sure that over the yeni to come, we make sure that the elves of Aman understand that the world is made up of all its parts – and that they owe a debt to those whom they have left behind them.’ What a wonderful story. Dreamflower recommended this to me, and I'm glad she did. It's lovely to believe that Legolas and the others would undertake such a daunting task, and insist that the hobbits' shining lights and deeds -- and those of all races in Arda -- should be considered and respected.
elliska · 2 April 2006 · Chapter 1: A New Year
Catching up on reading today and this was wonderful! I love the idea of a Wood Elf style feast in Tirion and Legolas and the twins were their usual witty selves when discussing the preparations for it. I particularly like the reason for it--remembering the deeds of the Ringbearers and teaching the elves that had long lived in Aman to appreciate them is certainly a worthy inspiration for a festival. I also particularly loved Gandalf's appearance and contribution--I expected fireworks, but the form of the fireworks really surprised me. What a great idea. If it did not impress Taryatur (not too surprising that), it did seem to make an impression on the elflings, and that is a good thing. And of course I must comment how much I loved Thranduil here--he has learned restraint in Aman if he bothered to censor himself. It must be the good influence of his wife, even if she was not present. Great story!
Author's reply
Legolas and the twins are determined to make an impact here - and I suppose being rather unlike the usual Tirion celebration will make this stand out. And then, of course, Gandalf can do fireworks like no-one else. (I wonder how much he cheated and used his extra abilities to make his fireworks so much more impressive than anyone else could!) A fiery eye seemed to be a simple job for him - and would have impact. Taryatur would respond to such an event with aggression, I think - and denial. It's very in character that he would not wish to concede to being impressed in any way. It might, in fact, be counter-productive and stiffen his neck. But younger elves, who had no experience of war or danger might be more open to the message - and there might have been a few complaints about younger elves having bad dreams. Thranduil has had to learn to be rather more restrained. He is in Tirion! And surrounded by Noldor he cannot blame for the ills of Middle Earth. He is definitely fair-minded enough to realise that his long-held prejudices need some amendment - at least for public consumption. And That Word could have caused a lot of trouble and diluted the message that the actions of those east of the sea were important and worthy of honour. Thank you. Glad you liked it!
Haleth · 29 March 2006 · Chapter 1: A New Year
This story is quite poignant, not only because the deeds of the characters we love seem minimalized by those in so called 'high elven society', but also, sadly, because the attitude is evident in our own society. Gandalf says it best. ‘I have argued ever since I returned that an understanding of the trials of Arda should be drummed in the ears of these elves of Aman until they know enough to be grateful to those who suffered while they lived at their ease. But it is not a comfortable tale – and, on the whole, those here would rather believe that the troubles east of the sea are purely the fault of those who live there.' If Sauron had regained the Ring, it seems unlikely he would be content to stay in Middle-earth. His Eye would have turned to Aman for such is the nature of totalitarian strongmen. The problems of the 'deserving' rebels would have become their problems in very short order. It's good to be reminded of the sacrifices made by those struggling to gain and maintain their freedom.
Author's reply
I do feel that the Blessed Realm is so detached from the experience of those east of the sea that those who have never seen anything else would have great difficulty understanding what it is like to live life on the edge. It has been over two long ages since any of those who call Aman home have been away from its shores - and the experience of those who fought in the War of Wrath is unlikely to have engendered much affection in them for the land where the elves awoke. To them, Ennor would have been a place of danger, darkness and death - and the return to Aman would have been about safety and light and purity. I don't reckon it will do anything much to do as Gandalf says - those who have not experienced it have no terms of reference. At best it would be like watching a movie, at worst it could just make those who hear the stories feel superior to those who were there. Those who do understand know that Aman would not have endured unscathed had Sauron succeeded - but they don't need the lesson. I don't know that there's much you can do apart from ensure that the stories are told - no-one wants their children to learn these kinds of lesson from experience, but without experience the learning is inevitably superficial. Not that it will stop Elladan, Elrohir and Legolas trying to spread the word!
Redheredh · 26 March 2006 · Chapter 1: A New Year
'They do not generally hold uninhibited outdoor festivals of eating and drinking and dancing,' Elrohir said. 'Not to mention...' He grinned. LOL! Are we talking about fireworks? 'That is why we should have held it in...' Oh yeah sure, that's exactly what we're talking about. ;) Loved this whole story! Very nice example of why oral tradition must be nurtured as much as written history. One without the other and much is lost. Even with both, much is forgotten. Interesting you had the music down low. Besides the elves' more sensitive hearing, too many modern festivals crank up the amps, which drives the audience into traffic - both totally ruining any stolling conversation. The family interactions were very entertaining! Soot!! Woot! Woot! Elrond and the Coeur de la Mer! - a romantic, indeed! Legolas putting his jacket and tie back on to greet his in-laws! I do so admire Eleniel, Elerinna and Linevende! Finarfin had "taken an immediate liking to the elf"! Thraduil holding his peace! Brave, brave Elrin! Elladan's worry at the crowd's silence! ...refused to let that change the way they lived. The evocative Fireworks!! Gandalf! Now, he was absolutely marvelous! I really admire how you wrote him. And so now we know why his *special* fireworks were so appreciated in the Shire. They were not just flash and bang! Good story, great message about honor and remembrance - made all the better for being allowed to participate in it along with our favorite elves. Thanks for posting it!
Author's reply
I wonder if it was much work to convince Gandalf to come and perform? Somehow I suspect that he won't let them get away with not repeating the experience! He enjoyed this tremendously. With elves, you hope that their long lives and good memories would help them maintain traditions with true understanding - but too many of the elves of Aman have never experienced anything beyond their own safe boundaries. Imagining anything more is almost impossible - and can never be more than empathy. (Others, of course, who have experienced war, probably still have difficulty with the memories.) Quiet music seemed much more effective - apart from anything else, I thought that if the elves had to make an effort to listen to the words, they would have more impact. I love this extended family! With every additional story, they grow on me more. I feel for Linevende and Elerrina - and Eleniel has now been drawn into the family occupation of keeping Adar and Andatar from each other's throats. I can just picture Finarfin, too, resenting Celeborn over centuries - only to find they had an instant understanding based on millennia of dealing with Galadriel. Good thing Thranduil managed to catch the 'N' word before it slipped past him. Could have caused a nasty incident. And Gandalf had a really enjoyable time - he is most certainly going to ensure that this New Year celebration becomes a regular tradition. And, I suspect, will be working all year to outdo his last display! Thank you - I'm glad you enjoyed it!
Larner · 25 March 2006 · Chapter 1: A New Year
Remembering Frodobaggion? Okay---- Yes, bringing the world of Ennor into Aman and reminding it that it too is part still of Arda would be difficult, and am so glad these tried. And so glad one of the Noldor did visit Frodo and Sam. That is right and proper. And of course I love the image of the last firework, of Frodo's Light ascending in that way and then exploding into glory. Thank you, my friend.
Author's reply
Frodobaggion... Well, things change over the years. Were they not elves and therefore immortal and with excellent memories, I doubt it would take many generations for the whole idea of hobbits to fade into - well, small elves. Of those born and living always in the Blessed Realm, only the elves of Tol Eressea have any personal experience of Frodo, Sam, Bilbo and Gimli. Ignorance is a terribly difficult thing to fight. Suffocating - and it seems to absorb all efforts made to let in the light. But the twins and Legolas are very determined. This is about more than history to them - this is how their friends and family sacrificed themselves for the good of Arda. I expect Galadriel took others of the Noldor to visit Frodo and Sam. In fact, I'm sure she took Finrod. He's just the sort of person who would have wanted to meet them and been fascinated by their story. Mithrandir knew what he was doing with the fireworks - and what point he wanted to make. Thank you. I'm glad you liked it.
Dot · 25 March 2006 · Chapter 1: A New Year
This is wonderful, Bodkin. Very interesting to see their thoughts about why it should be held in Tirion, rather than somewhere where people know the importance of this day because the majority experienced the events. It’s hard to believe, isn’t it, that there are so many who cannot comprehend – and don’t particularly want to – the events across the sea and how different even their lives might be now. But as much as Mithrandir’s point that there are those who think that the troubles east of the sea are purely the fault of those who live there seems harsh, I think he’s probably right and it’s understandable to a certain extent – they just need to be enlightened a little!! And no better people to give it a go than this lot. I do love the idea that it’s going to be a wood-elf style celebration, though :-D Elrin is adorable and a lot of his attitude towards this is typical of his age – but he really is proof that the events that ended the Third Age will be no more than stories to future generations. And it’s particularly sad to see it in someone who is so closely related to many who took part, and when is adar apparently took pains to explain it to him. Thranduil is, to me, actually one of the most interesting characters here. I’m glad, of course, to see that he has found happiness but what interested me was his thought that he finds himself more comfortable with those who experienced the end of the Third Age, no matter what he might have felt about them before coming to the Blessed Realm. What a shock it must have been, really, for many of them – coming after their whole world had changed, coming with experiences and prejudices and memory and weariness and arriving here to try and find a place for themselves. And… can he be actually learning patience?! LOL. It kind of makes me wonder what he would have been like all those centuries had his wife been around! And Linevendë. Oh, my heart went out to her when she spotted that the light in their faces died away. How awful for her. And it’s so clear that she longs for everything to be well between them all. But what a pain Taryatur is! Loved the scene between Mithrandir, Elladan and Elrohir. I get the impression that they are all a little on edge, each needing this to go well. But it’s good too to see Mithrandir still treating them as though they were errant elflings! Finarfin smugly thinking about his outfit had me in stitches! But his discussion with Eärwen gave some insight into his character, although it still leaves me with questions about him. He’s an elf who intrigues me. I thought it was the perfect touch to have the song that Elrin sings be a non-elvish one – and its strangeness alone would attract people’s attention and make them listen. I wonder, though, with it have more affect sung by someone like Legolas. Hard to know, really. The fireworks! Wow. Surely people will realise that if they felt shock and horror and fear in those moments, it is merely a taster of what those they are here to honour went through. The fireworks really do sound amazing. Whoever thought of a visual display was very clever. The toasts brought tears to my eyes, especially Legolas’ words – he’s not just honouring heroes, but friends. And, on a personal note, March 25th is the anniversary of someone I loved and miss so it made me extra teary. But truly, it was a lovely moment, and I like the quiet support offered to Legolas by his wife. Oh, Legolas should have punched Taryatur! Good for Thranduil for stepping in – although I did gasp at what he nearly said! LOL. But no matter how many people offer their views, I don’t think Taryatur is going to be convinced. *sigh* And I fear Elladan may be right about this festival becoming merely tradition. Look at all the things we celebrate today that we have no real idea about their origins. Then again, perhaps some will eventually listen and learn. For now, I suppose, all that matters for these three is that they tried – and they remember the events and honour those who made the sacrifice for all the people of Arda. Thank you for sharing this, Bodkin! It was most enjoyable and very thought-provoking :-)
Author's reply
Thank you, Dot! The Blessed Realm is such a very sheltered environment - and most of those who live there have never suffered privation or fear; have never endured the loss of those they love. Yes, there are those who fought in the War of Wrath - but I tend to think they (like Taryatur) went home and drew up the drawbridge, and convinced themselves that bad things couldn't happen in Aman any more. And, of course, two ages-worth of elves have grown up with no personal experience of the dangers that E2L lived with - and no acquaintance with anyone who is not tall, willowy, glow-in-the-dark gorgeous with beautiful hair. Their feelings about non-elves are likely to be, at best, patronising. (The hobbits and Gimli never went further than Tol Eressea, so the elves of the mainland won't have met them, either.) Yes, Elrin is an indication that you can't really convey experience through words. And I expect, in some ways, for all their stories, E2L are probably determined not to expose their children to the horrors they have seen - the stories of war veterans are usually about comradeship and humour and make a point of avoiding the bad. He is quite young, though. Might have a better grasp when he is a bit older. I think it is interesting when you watch programmes about war veterans - they often seem to have an understanding with others who have fought, on whichever side, that they lack with those who were not there - and I think Thranduil would find that he had a bond with those who shared his experience that perhaps was not there with those who sailed an age before. I reckon it might have taken him a while to come to terms with the idea that he and Galadriel had anything in common, though! Legolas and Taryatur definitely need to get their relationship sorted out. It's not fair on Linevende or Elerrina - and when you have Eleniel intervening between them to try to smooth things over, it's definitely time to take off the gloves and sort them! Mind you, Taryatur definitely suffers from foot-in-mouth disease. He should count himself lucky he was still walking at the end of the night. Mithrandir had a tremendous time. Even if E2L wanted to give up on this celebration, I don't think he would let them! An excuse for a regular fireworks display - Gandalf is in his element. He rather likes the opportunity to play grouchy, too, I think. To Legolas - and the twins - this is personal. It is about friends and family who served and saved the world and were lost. People with whom they will not be reunited until the end of days. Very poignant for them - and Elrond. But they want to know that others at least pay lip-service to what was achieved. And they are persistent. They will not let this rest. I'm glad you liked it, Dot. Thank youl
daw the minstrel · 25 March 2006 · Chapter 1: A New Year
I enjoyed this, Bodkin. It sounds like a good party. Fireworks as visual aids is novel concept!
Author's reply
Mithrandir has particular talent along those lines! I doubt whether a human firework display could be quite as instructive. And the elves of Tirion left talking about it all - which was a start. Thank you.
Ellie · 25 March 2006 · Chapter 1: A New Year
I enjoyed this very much! This is a lot of assumed knowledge on your part, like that the reader has read your other works. I fit nicely into that category, BTW. THat being said, I enjoyed this very much. The characterizations are wonderful and the fact that the festival was celebrated Wood Elf style was great. I loved the fireworks and the reactions to them. Thranduil was wonderful with his comment and cathing himself so he didn't say "noldor" (too funny). This was wonderful and Leggy's dad-in-law is such a huge curmudgeon. I feel sorry for his mother-in-law. Well done! This was great! Ellie
Author's reply
You're quite right! I tend to forget that not everyone knows who all the OCs are - it's been a long journey and they've accumulated along the way. I'm glad you knew who they were. I'm very glad Thranduil managed to prevent himself from saying the 'N' word. It would have caused a bit of an incident. He was very controlled. And Legolas managed to keep his temper - probably because Elerrina was there. He wouldn't want to hurt her father. Well. He would want to, but he wouldn't do it. I feel sorry for Linevende, Elerrina and Eleniel - they all do their best to keep the peace. Perhaps they should shut the pair of them in a small room and leave them there until they have managed to find common ground. Mithrandir was very happy to be asked to provide fireworks. He tried to hide it, but he will certainly insist that the twins and Legolas will continue with this feast. Thank you. I'm glad you liked it.
perelleth · 25 March 2006 · Chapter 1: A New Year
It is good that at least in the Blessed Realm those things were remembered... for surely by that time they would have been long forgotten in M.E, even Mithrandir's fireworks! That was a nice touch! :-)
Author's reply
The events might be remembered. It's about 600 years on - and the Gondorians are quite long-lived. It'd be a bit like remembering the Armada or Martin Luther. It wouldn't have any direct relevance, but it wouldn't quite have become like King Arthur - not yet. I think Mithrandir was secretly thrilled to bits to be asked to perform at this event! I can't imagine he gets much chance to show off his skills with fireworks. He'll be campaigning to keep this as a yearly event - and each time the display will be bigger and better! E2L are determined these events and people will be remembered. And they are very obstinate.
Lianna · 25 March 2006 · Chapter 1: A New Year
The festival is a good idea, but I wonder whether those who never lived in Middle-Earth can truly understand. Somehow, you get a perspective when standing at the Black Gate or fighting in Mirkwood that is beyond the comprehension of these Valinor softies. Unworthy thought: In the world of Men, no matter how much you dislike your parents-in-law, you at least have the somewhat comforting thought that in the ordinary scheme of things, you are likely to eventually have a few decades without their irritating presence. But poor Legolas doesn't even have that hope!
Author's reply
No, you're right. The elves of Aman will never really understand. Their lives are too sheltered and protected. Except for those who made up the Valar's Host in the War of Wrath, none of them have any direct experience of warfare - or knowledge of men and dwarves. Those who have returned from Namo's Halls have their memories, but they have lost their sting, I think, and are more like looking through a glass. Consequently, they have nothing to which they can relate these matters. I have thought about everlasting son-in-law-hood! Very, very difficult - but it should give them a much better motive for learning to see each other's good points. And Taryatur does have them! They just don't come out when he's with Legolas. They must sort it out, though. It's affecting Eleniel and that's not good.
Kitty · 25 March 2006 · Chapter 1: A New Year
You did write it! :-) I had sometimes wondered if you will ever write about this festival! I’d always loved the idea they’d celebrate the New Year in the reckoning of the Fourth Age of Arda to honour the ringbearers and all the others who fought in the wars against Sauron. And the elves of Aman shouldn’t overlook that Morgoth and Sauron didn’t turn evil because of men. One could think the men had made them, considering the behaviour of some elves! In the end the *men* defeated Sauron, not the elves. And how many elves of Aman had kin in Arda who would’ve died if Sauron had regained the One Ring? E2L are right – it is time to rub it in a bit. The firework was nice. When Gandalf sent the twins away, I was reminded of the FotR movie, when Merry and Pippin stole the big one ;-) As for Taryatur, his remark was so tactless and arrogant that I have to give credit not only to Legolas for *not* punching him on the nose! Somehow I feel inclined to drop him in the middle of a pack of wargs – he’d deserve it! I think there is another wager you’ve not mentioned: What will happen first – the elves of Aman accepting this festival as their custom or Taryatur accepting his son-in-law *grin* Well, probably your tales have to go on for some millennia before we see either the one or the other happen ...
Author's reply
Oh yes. The elves of the Blessed Realm are inclined to be a little blinkered. The Blessed Realm is just that - blessed - and things that go on beyond their reach are just less. They don't really mean anything by it - they just have a quiet conviction of their own superiority. But then many of them have never experienced anything beyond their borders - they wouldn't know Angband from Dol Guldur if you stuck a map in front of their noses. They need educating! I'm glad you liked the fireworks - I think Gandalf would have loved the chance to play with them. I'm fairly sure he wasn't encouraged to explode that many in the peace of the Blessed Realm. He will fight to keep this festival going for that reason alone! Taryatur has foot-in-mouth disease. Every time he notices himself saying something offensive, he seems to feel the need to follow it up with something worse! He and Legolas definitely need to sort out their relationship - it's not doing their womenfolk any good! When an elfling feels she needs to act as a buffer, it's definitely time for adults to do something. I can just see it becoming one of those traditions with a garbled understanding of its roots. It would be even worse if elves weren't so long-lived - at least some of them will keep track of the reasons behind it! And Legolas and Taryatur will learn to live with each other. Sooner or later!
Dreamflower · 25 March 2006 · Chapter 1: A New Year
Oh! Oh, Bodkin! This is just so wonderful!! I loved it so--it is just as I thought it might be, those who took part, and most especially, the two remaining members of the Fellowship, struggling to make the complacent understand the courage and fortitude of two little hobbits. I loved especially seeing Olorin transformed once more into good old Gandalf. *sigh* And that was a might display of fireworks, worthy of both the Bagginses. Of *course* the Matter of the Ring began with Bilbo and Smaug. The toasts made me tear up. ‘My friends,’ he said. His voice filled the space without any apparent effort, and any eyes that he had not already gathered settled on the High King. ‘A toast. A toast to those whose courage in a desperate quest brought about the downfall of Sauron and his hordes. To the Ringbearers – to Frodo Baggins and Samwise Gamgee. May their names and deeds never be forgotten!’ Legolas raised his glass and drank. ‘To Aragorn, son of Arathorn, and Gimli, son of Gloín. To Meriadoc Brandybuck and Peregrin Took. To Boromir, Captain-General of Gondor. May we meet again in the days beyond days.’ The truth is, Legolas will never truly feel whole himself until he *is* reunited with his *other* family, that Company that set forth so valiantly into the face of impossible odds. What *would* it take to convince Taryatur? What does he need to experience in order to appreciate the true worth of his son-in-law, and to begin to realize the real sacrifices that happened in Middle-earth? I'm thinking of Scrooge, here, and his ghosts... Thank you so much for this. I love it to pieces!
Author's reply
The trouble with a lot of the elves in the Blessed Realm - certainly all those born after the end of the First Age - is that they have little frame of reference for anything unpleasant. Veterans - like Taryatur - are unlikely to have spoken about their experiences. Those who have lost family members, either to exile or death, are likely to have sanitised their experiences because they won't want to think of them suffering. And many of those up to 6000 are just too young to know. And it is very, very difficult for those growing up in perfect safety to understand what it is to live in fear and to confront dangers that want to take more than your life. Olorin loved turning himself into good old Gandalf. I think if the twins and Legolas tried to give up the idea of this event, he wouldn't let them! A chance to be bearded, gruff and scruffy - and explode his best fireworks - all for the best possible reasons. This is a celebration that will run and run. The quest affected Legolas - as standing before the Black Gate changed the twins. And they share the experience of what came afterwards. They all have those missing from their lives with whom they long to be reunited - and they will not see them again until the world is remade. I think Taryatur might have a Road to Damascus moment soon. I hope. Thank you. I'm glad you liked it.
utfrog98 · 25 March 2006 · Chapter 1: A New Year
Wonderful story. It certainly is complete and well conceived, but I want to know how long it took, who won the wager, etc. Thank you for a lovely New Year's gift.
Author's reply
Oh dear! More ideas to play with! I expect it took a long time - elves, after all, are immortal and don't change very quickly. Who won the wager? They haven't said! Thank you. I'm glad you liked it.
Nilmandra · 25 March 2006 · Chapter 1: A New Year
I love that Olorin did fireworks! Yeah! Its a good reminder to all of them just who he is. I hope the festival of the New Year became well ingrained in the heads of all the elves.
Author's reply
Olorin was probably secretly exceedingly pleased to let loose on the firework display. I can't imagine the Blessed Realm being a place where he is encouraged to let off loud bangs very often. I expect he, at least, hopes this becomes an annual event! And E2L can be pretty persistent when they have an idea stuck in their heads.
Jay of Lasgalen · 25 March 2006 · Chapter 1: A New Year
A lovely tale, Bodkin. I like the whole cast of your tales appearing one after another, all with their own view of events. I think, though, that the twins are right at the end: that the festival will pass into custom and tradition - and people will still not understand the true significance of it.
Author's reply
And - did you notice? - not a single asterisk! Pretty well everyone was there - no Finrod, but the cast was getting ridiculously large! And yes... it doesn't matter how much you try to pass on the understanding of these things, there is no substitute for having been there. If we have experienced something similar, it can increase the empathy to the point where we have a pretty good understanding, but here in the Blessed Realm, most have no point of comparison, so even their immortality cannot help them bridge the gap. But it won't stop E2L trying.
harrowcat · 25 March 2006 · Chapter 1: A New Year
Not within the scope of my usual reading fare Bodkin but I enjoyed this a lot.
Author's reply
Thank you - it was fun to write. I'm sure those who remembered those days - and knew the sacrifices made - would want to be sure that those who made them were remembered. I'm glad you liked it.