Reviews (22)

JastaElf · 17 October 2006 · Chapter 1: First Sight

What a superb story! Lucky daw... :-) You've taken these characters and given them a marvelous life--I laughed out loud to see some of them as Elflings like this, knowing what they will be like when they are older! Just marvelous! Happy belated birthday, daw... it is not an inconsiderable thing, to be considered loved and worthy of such work as this and Nilmandra's efforts. :-)

Author's reply

Thank you, Jasta! Daw's characters are just so great it's hard not to want to take them out to play! I had a whale of a time here - and I'm thrilled that people liked it. (Not to mention that daw let me play in her world at all!) Birthday stories are fun, aren't they? It's the first year I've done them - and I have enjoyed it. You've had me out seeking Dark Leaf since I read your latest story about poor Legolas - and I've enjoyed what I've found, while being thrilled to know what happened a bit later. Excellent story - and I do hope to see more sometime!

moonshine4488 · 14 August 2006 · Chapter 1: First Sight

Aw that was great. I like the remark about Lorellin wanting a daughter like Alfirin. I especially love the line: "Today is a jewel on the string of your life – one you will take out and cherish as the years pass" I was wondering if that came from you personally or if it might have been part of another quote. I think that is a statement many people should take into account because of its truthfulness. I would consider it a piece of advice in a way. It really caught my attention. I really enjoyed this story!

Author's reply

Thank you! Poor Lorellin - dramatic irony there, I fear. She would have loved to see Ithilden's rather awkward courtship and welcomed Alfirin wholeheartedly to her household. I am pretty sure I made up the 'jewel on the string of your life' line - it bears a similarity to Daw's moments for joy (intentionally, since that's what Lorellin said), but it is not, as far as I know, quoting anything else! It's one of those lines that just sounds right, though. Partly because it is true - we do spend far too much time worrying about what may never happen and overlook those special moments. I'm glad you enjoyed it.

ziggy · 10 August 2006 · Chapter 1: First Sight

ah- brilliant! such joy.I love these characters -you have got them caught perfectltly- I love the way you have done Alfirin - quietly assertive, and Celuwen fighting for Eilian.

Author's reply

Celuwen is definitely on Eilian's side - I think it does him a great deal of good once they finally get married. He needs a staunch supporter. Of course, at this age, it's rather embarrassing! (Especially for Ithilden!) Alfirin was a sweet elfling - but quite conventional, even at this age. I wonder if she remembered making daisy chains with Ithilden once he was setting her shawl on fire and spilling things over her... Of course, Lorellin wasn't around to remind them. Thank you, ziggy!

lwarren · 2 August 2006 · Chapter 1: First Sight

*sigh* I love Ithilden - he's so deliciously stiff! LOL Just asking for someone to loosen him up a bit...and his naneth is just the one to do it! This was just a delightful look at the relationship between Ithilden, his mother and his younger brother...and definitely shows how different the two boys are from each other. I LOVED it that Lorellin decided he needed time with some elflings to make his day! *g* You really captured the kids' personalities, too, Bodkin! Especially Eilian and Celuwen and Gelmir! I loved the bit about the swords and Celuwen insisting she would have one, too! The flower chains that Ithilden made for the other little girls, including Alfirin (awwwww!) were so sweet...I wonder if he will remember this later once they start courting. The race home was fun - loved Calith standing there watching his commander arrive in a less than dignified manner! LOL But I think the highlight was when Lorellin was telling Ithilden to stop worrying so much and take some time for joy. "Today is a jewel on the string of your life - one you will take out and cherish as the years pass. They come all too seldom, days like these, and often we do not recognize them as we are living them. Do not rush to file it away in a dusty box like some dreary letter." I hope he and Eilian had a wonderful, messy time in their bath later on. *sigh* Lovely, lovely story Bodkin, with some very true words of wisdom scattered throughout. It makes me even sadder that the King and his sons had to do without Lorellin later. Thanks for sharing this wonderful birthday present for daw with all of us! Linda (And a belated Happy Birthday, Daw!)

Author's reply

Poor Ithilden is so duty driven - and he does lack some of the social skills that come so naturally to Eilian. But, at this time, he has the whole hearted admiration of his little brother who thinks Ithilden is wonderful. Lorellin can appreciate her responsible son, but she doesn't want him drowning in duty to the point where he can't let out the softer side of his character - and doubtless sees playing with Eilian and his friends as an excellent way to liberate Ithilden's inner Wood elf. Celuwen was such a tomboy - tree-climbing, knife-throwing, running, swimming with the ellyn ... and then the poor girl was struck down by adolescence and the need to be a 'lady'. She outgrew the desire to have a sword - but not, I think, to be in control of her own life. I can just see Ithilden sitting in the middle of a gaggle of little ellyth making daisy chains. And with them leaning on him and twiddling his hair as he showed them what to do. (Ithilden ought to have a daughter or two. Maybe in the Blessed Realm.) And he has met his future wife - although neither of them has any idea ... yet. I love Calith. I think he is one of the few people to get quite close to Ithilden (although their relationship appears to be strictly commander / aide) and one of very few who can tease Ithilden. Telling Ithilden to stop worrying and expecting perfection of himself won't work - but he will remember his naneth's words, and even if he only indulges in days like this occasionally, it will help feed the gentle, musical, poetical elf under the shell of the troop commander. I'm sure he and Eilian had a splendidly messy bath - and Ithilden even closed his eyes to swamped, toy-strewn floor. It is sad that Lorellin's death deprived her whole family of their lynch-pin - but they endured, and treasured her words even more because she was no longer there to remind them. Thank you, Linda. I'm glad you enjoyed it. And Daw should have more birthdays.

Dot · 27 July 2006 · Chapter 1: First Sight

Bodkin, I loved this so much. It’s headed straight to my all-time favourite stories list! You had me smiling from the start. I love the description of Eilian as an “irrepressible bundle of energy” and the way Calith knew just what Ithilden was thinking. And I’m still grinning delightedly at the thought of him joining in the song! Gosh, I love that elf. I think if Ithilden gets his lack of subtlety from anyone, it could be Naneth herself. So she brought young Ithilden with her to pick watercress, did she? It seems to have been her one aim in life to make him enjoy himself. It sounds like the elflings are having a great time. Eilian is adorable as a boisterous, good-hearted show-off! One of my favourite parts is him boasting about Ithilden, ‘He can shoot deer and boar and bears and squirrels and spiders and orcs and trolls and… and...’, and Gwaleniel’s reaction. And look, it’s Alfirin! She’s completely how I would have imagined her as a child. I choked on my tea at the idea of her frowning at Eilian as though he were “a rather badly behaved puppy”! Isn’t it odd to think about elves’ ages – like, Ithilden is looking at his future wife there! She’s so sweet. I wonder does she remember as an adult making daisy chains with Ithilden. Speaking of which – one of the best images of the whole story is the daisy-chain making, with Ithilden surrounded by small ellyth. One thing I really like about Lorellin is how she appreciates Eilian just as he is. It’s not just that she recognises herself in him but she sees all his good points and sees how he will brighten the lives of those around him. One of the greatest tragedies of her death is the loss of that unquestioning appreciation of Eilian. Well, I guess it was too much to ask for Eilian to keep doing as he was instructed for very long! And after a spectacular rescue by the troop commander (I could read that part over and over again) all Eilian wants is for him to do it again because Gelmir didn’t see it properly. You know, I think it might have been a fun afternoon if the ellyn got to throw stones for Ithilden to catch :>) Trust Celuwen to want to be involved in whatever the boy are doing. Ithilden might be right about Celuwen not having a sword when she’s older – though she’s pretty good with a knife! – but she certainly doesn’t lose her obstinacy. Of course, look who her father is!! And I laughed at how Gelmir and Ithilden seem to have pretty similar ideas about what an elleth should do – except Ithilden has the sense to keep his mouth shut :-) Ithilden grinned. He could remember hiding from his adar in much the same way. Oh! Oh! Will you write that? Pretty please? Or somebody write it? What a good sport Ithilden is now that he knows he can’t escape elfling-watch. I love how he stomps off and then sneaks back to grab Eilian. Eilian was probably having the time of his life but no-one counted on his small rescuer not feeling the same way. I can’t believe Celuwen bit him! ROTFL!! And then she charms her way out of it. Almost. Something tells me that in the future she’ll actually have even better luck charming the king than his oldest son :-D And of course Celuwen nearly beat Eilian and he pushed himself not to let that happen. And Gelmir, always coming third. I’m glad he’s content with that. ‘Well run, my lord.’ Calith is there! *chokes* I bet that just made his day. And really, Ithilden could go directly to the king and Thranduil would probably know exactly what happened: Lorellin. Within a few moments of reaching the green the disposal of the watercress had been arranged, the elflings gathered and brushed down and the ellyth were disappearing towards their homes, looking as neat and in control as they doubtless had when they set off on their quest. LOL!! Poor Ithilden. Being a troop commander is so much easier! ‘Today is a jewel on the string of your life – one you will take out and cherish as the years pass. They come all too seldom, days like these, and often we do not recognise them as we are living them. Do not rush to file it away in a dusty box like some dreary letter.’ Oh, I love that. It’s so true. And it’s something Ithilden needs to hear. So often Lorellin seems like she’s just meddling (and I want to yell at her for not realising that Ithilden doesn’t have to be happy in exactly the same way she is) but she genuinely wants him to be content. And even when things get darker, he can remember her telling him to take and appreciate moments of joy when they come. I was glad to see him decide that this day of fun isn’t over yet! I really enjoyed this story. It’s priceless. And yes, there’s a hint of sadness at the thought of all they will lose but oh, what good times they had. You do such a wonderful job in creating the noisy fun of the elflings. I loved seeing Eilian at this age – and all his playmates too that we know as adults. It must have been a good time before the peace ended when there were so many elflings bringing life and joy to the forest. And I got such a kick out of Ithilden trying to organise them all and being met with suspicion before they all warmed to him and he found himself dragged into their own incomprehensible world where he had a marvellous time despite himself! He learned a lot more, I think, than how difficult it is to look after children. And he gave his mother, her friends, Calith, various warriors and your readers a good laugh too :-)

Author's reply

Ithilden is lovely. He would (of course) think he knew better than his mother what was a wise thing to do ... (and he is sadly proved to have a point in the future) ... but he is loving and kind and perfect material for elflings to push around! He can manage warriors, but in the hands of ellyth, he's putty. I think at this age Eilian's admiration for his big brother would be total. Not until he starts to cross Ithilden's bossy side will Eilian begin to resent his brother's power over him. And who could not respond to a wide-eyed Eilian thinking you're marvellous? I suspect Alfirin would remember the daisy chains - she would certainly be reminded of them by a whole lot of the attendant nanas, anyway. And Ithilden in the middle of a gaggle of ellyth is a very appealing picture! Lorellin does appreciate Eilian - and she has a much better idea of how to guide him than his father and brother. Gentle herding rather than instruction, I think. And he didn't even realise she was guiding him. Doesn't work so well with Ithilden - he needs the logical explanations. Although he got plenty of gentle shoving too. An afternoon of catching stones while diving in the water - dripping wet, shirtless Ithilden? Well, Eilian would have been happy. Dot, too, I think! And Celuwen clearly was never a girly girl like Alfirin. She wanted to climb trees and throw knives and build water wheels. She might have given up on swords, but Solith's little elleth was never going to give anyone respect just because of who he was. Gelmir, on the other hand, has a warrior father and I think gives Ithilden the respect due to the troop commander even when he's just being Eilian's brother. An Ithilden elfling story? Maybe, one day! Ithilden can play! He knows how. He just isn't very good at abandoning himself to it. And Celuwen doesn't realise just how boisterous brothers can get when playing when she comes to Eilian's rescue. Ithilden will know to treat her cautiously in the future, though. Gelmir is probably already resigned to being third in that group - although he will get promoted when Celuwen is dragged away by young ladyhood and forced to abandon the pleasures of being one of the boys. Calith is fun. The closest Ithilden has to a best friend, sadly. And one of the few people who can tease him, because he does it totally straight-faced. And Ithilden has learnt an important lessons - naneths and elflings are dangerous. And far more in control than you realise! I don't think Lorellin necessarily wants Ithilden to be happy in exactly the same way she is - but she is afraid that he is shutting the office door on the more pleasurable side of life and letting his responsible side overwhelm the gentle, music-loving, kind-hearted elf he is. That he will one day wake up and realise that he has allowed himself to be pushed out of shape - or maybe that he will just become a shadow of the elf he could be and never realise it. She knows he has duties he cannot refuse to bear, but wants him to have a life outside them. I'm glad you enjoyed this, Dot. There were a lot of elflings of Eilian's age around - far more than I've got here, I think. (Research skills limited here!) And seeing Ithilden immersed in their fun and mud and general mayhem was so enjoyable. He did learn a bit of added respect for the skills of mothers (always a good thing!) and just basked in some uncomplicated activities. And learned to beware of cute little ellyth. Thank you, Dot.

Noor · 26 July 2006 · Chapter 1: First Sight

Fabulous story - you wrote beautifully about Daw's characters. I could picture the chaos caused by the elflings and Ithilden amongst the chaos. Well done! Noor

Author's reply

Thank you. Poor Ithilden doesn't relate well to chaos - he is inclined to believe that matters should go according to his instructions. But spending time with Eilian and his friends will give him a bit of insight into the rearing of elflings and prepare him for Sinnarn. I'm glad you enjoyed it.

Noor · 26 July 2006 · Chapter 1: First Sight

Great interlude with Daw's characters. They really do come across as younger versions of Daw's characters! Lovely! Noor

Author's reply

Thank you. Daw's characters are just such fun to play with - they are so distinct and individual that they just need a situation to start them all behaving like themselves. This was great fun to write. I'm glad you liked it.

perelleth · 24 July 2006 · Chapter 1: First Sight

LOLOL! I'm sorry I'm so late in reviewing this! but it was hilarious and so sweet at the same time! I realy like Ithilden, and seeing things from his pov was a double treat! Now the troop commander had an interseting afternoon! His htoughts about duty and enjoying life as he rode to the river, and remembered what his mother said about chains were very telling. The breaking of the peace must have been a transforming time to this Elf, who already was an overdutiful person in times of peace... The whole episode is hilarious, the troop commander dripping water and refusing to strip before so many ladies ( ROTFL!) and Eilian just asking him to play the trick again! But of course I loved the part when Celuwen bites him! That was priceless! as was his dignified limping! I was owling at that point. Wonderful as usual Bodkin. I could almost picture the elves by the river enjoying their peaceful afternoon!

Author's reply

Thank you, perelleth. The troop commander has decided that commanding troops is a great deal simpler. They just say, 'Yes, my lord,' and get on with it. Lorellin must have been very sad to see what the end of the peace was doing to Ithilden - she wanted to lighten his burden as much as she could and to her the woods and elflings and love were the sort of things he needed to counter the duty. She tried to offer them - but you know what kids are like! He was sure he knew better. Exposing him to Eilian and his friends was probably the best she could do to give her firstborn a less structured life! I like to think that Eilian the little elfling admired his big brother whole-heartedly, too - and thought he could do anything. And the admiration of the young is strangely heartening! Celuwen, of course, was already watching out for Eilian - even if he didn't need help! I'm glad you enjoyed it - it was a delight playing in daw's world.

The Karenator · 23 July 2006 · Chapter 1: First Sight

I sat down to reread this last night--quickly--so I could leave you a note, but I got so caught up again in the story, I puttered about too long to get the review done. It's such a delightful tale, full of all the fun things the woods have to offer, like mud and elflings and stodgy commanders who really do have a spark of playfulness, but rarely let it ignite. Ithilden was such a hoot. Talk about a fish out of water. But he rose to the occasion and turned out to be a good shepherd. I bet Alfirin remembered this afternoon and brought it up when she wanted to soften up the old boy. Lorellin got her wish for a daughter like Alfirin, but sadly, she was not present when it happened. I bet there was some major smiling in the Halls of Waiting if she knew. I loved seeing all the characters we know as adults splashing about as elflings. As always, the language was gorgeous and the descriptions outstanding. A wonderful tale, Bodkin, and a terrific gift to us all.

Author's reply

Ithilden is such a sweet elf. Duty-driven and trying to be a support to everyone, but his occasional awkwardness makes him very endearing. And his love of his family. He likes to be in control - but he's a softie when it comes to his naneth (and ellyth in general, I suspect). I suppose elven ages must have made big age gaps quite likely - unless they got married soon after reaching their majority, like Annael and Beliniel. I'm sure Alfirin would have remembered - this was probably a pearl on the string of her life, too, although less obviously so. Lorellin wanting a daughter like Alfirin - the irony of that was like sucking lemons - but I'm sure that one day, in the Blessed Realm, she and Alfirin will be able to enjoy each other's company. Thank you, Karen. I'm glad you enjoyed it.

elliska · 22 July 2006 · Chapter 1: First Sight

Still catching up...Bodkin this was a delightful story from begining to end and I loved seeing Ithilden and little Elian and his friends in it. But I have to say, I think I will print it and read it often because I think I need the lesson as much as Ithilden: ‘Today is a jewel on the string of your life – one you will take out and cherish as the years pass. They come all too seldom, days like these, and often we do not recognise them as we are living them. Do not rush to file it away in a dusty box like some dreary letter.’ I know I am taking light reading much more seriously than you intended, but it struck home so strongly after the last week. And I am not doing anything nearly as important as Ithilden. Great story. And I just can't help but comment on this before I click "post:" ‘There was absolutely no chance whatsoever that he was going to seek any attention for a wound delivered by a small elleth while in his care.' Hehehe! This was a great story! Happy Birthday Daw!

Author's reply

Thank you, elliska. I did enjoy playing with Ithilden and Eilian and all of Daw's delightful characters. Lorellin seems to have been keen on telling her family to take a break to smell the forest and enjoy small things along their duty-driven paths - and it is true. You are usually so much on top of what is happening that you don't realise the good bits until afterwards. (Especially true with little kids - where you can get so wound up with clean clothes and table manners that you miss the really important stuff.) Poor Ithilden - he does make a good foil. And then, wet and shirtless ... Oh yes, I do like Daw's characters! I'm glad you enjoyed it. Daw should have more birthdays to give us excuses to play with them all.

pipinheart · 20 July 2006 · Chapter 1: First Sight

Lovly... Ithilden on a day out with Eilian and friends. Seems the Celuwen likes him as well as a few others. Very cute when eilian would tell him to "Do it again". Eilian has a joy of life here, and its nice to see him enjoying the moment. Nice to see Alfirin there as well, what an interesting combination... Nice...

Author's reply

Thank you, I'm glad you liked it. Eilian must have been a real live wire as a little elfling - and I suspect that at this age he was sure that his big brother and his adar could do anything .... Later, of course, he rather resented that they could do anything and all he was supposed to do was obey. Ithilden would have enjoyed playing with the elflings, I think - just, maybe, not for too long! He would have been secretly relieved to hand them back to their mothers! But it is good to see him having fun - even if he had to convince himself that that's what it was!

nessie · 19 July 2006 · Chapter 1: First Sight

How very sweet! Grown-up Ithilden making a crown of flowers for his bride-to-be (no matter how little she is at the moment). Hmm, I wonder if the respective mothers had foreseen anything at that moment. This was a wonderful story. I'm assuming the little elflings are around 4 in human terms, and this makes it even cuter, because Eilian does not see big-brother as anything other than someone who keeps him entertained. I loved seeing Ithilden playing with the elflings. I especially loved this part: ‘That was not a very sensible thing to do, Eilian,’ he said reproachfully. ‘You might have hurt your friend.’ ‘Do it again!’ Eilian demanded, the grin on his face so wide that it looked as if the top of his head was in danger of falling off and his bright eyes shining with admiration. ‘Gelmir did not see you properly – let him throw a stone, Ithilden, and do it again!’ Oh, that part was classic, and so very much like Eilian. I'm really glad you wrote this, I'm in love with daw's universe and characters. Spectacular! ~nessie~

Author's reply

Ithilden had to have been acquainted with Alfirin - even if he never paid much attention to her until that fateful day! It would be nice to think that a couple of maternal eyebrows were raised - but I don't think so. Not at this point. I reckon the elflings are between 3 and 5 in human terms, with Eilian's little bunch around the 4 mark. Ithilden is definitely just the big brother who can be fun when he's not worrying about pointless things like dirt! I was thinking about Gelmir and Celuwen and their attitudes. I reckon Gelmir is affected by his warrior adar's respect for Ithilden and holds back a bit - while Solith, as we know, is rather more determined to be unimpressed. By everything. And if your big brother can do anything, then of course he can do wild acrobatics and stop you braining your friend. Thank you. I loved writing this. Daw's characters are just great.

meckinock · 18 July 2006 · Chapter 1: First Sight

What a riot, Bodkin. The image of bedraggled, muddy Ithilden playing hide-and-seek with a gaggle of elflings, with Celuwen gnawing on his leg! Oh lord. Eilian is in fine form, too. A fine little terror. I enjoyed the difference in Ithilden's perception of him and Lorellin's. They both see his wild side, but as Thranduil's clone, Ithilden doesn't identify with it like Lorellin does. It's so sad when we see her sons through her eyes, and all that she wants for them, knowing she won't survive to see it all come to pass. The line about perhaps having a daughter like Alfirin someday was priceless - but again, a little sad. Overall though, Ithilden had a wonderful day. He should listen to his nana and have more of them.

Author's reply

I would have loved to see Ithilden through Calith's eyes here. I think he was very noble not to laugh - even though Ithilden knew he wanted to. You're right - Lorellin craved to bring out the inner child in Ithilden, but he was always busy wanting to assume far more responsibility than anyone wanted to heap on him. But it was excellent that he was able to give his son more space to grow up than he took himself - or allowed Eilian. I wonder if Lorellin would have been able to channel Eilian more easily - she definitely understood him better. Although, having said that, I think Thranduil and Ithilden did come to a clear understanding of his good points, even though his wilder side drove them mad. In some ways, Legolas was the salvation of the lot of them. His need drew them all together and made them back into a family. It is sad that Lorellin won't get to see Ithilden's awkward courtship - she would have thoroughly enjoyed it, even as she coaxed him through it. But this was a good day for Ithilden ... even if unexpectedly dangerous.

Alice · 18 July 2006 · Chapter 1: First Sight

First things first: Happy birthday Daw! Lucky us that Bodkin's posted her present for you so that we can all enjoy it. This was so cute Bodkin. Hee. I love Ithilden around his mother, I really do. It's one of the few times when he's not in control. Though he thinks he is. He's so cute. Him playing with Little Eilian is also adorable. There were many adorable moments in this actually. Chief among them Ithilden making daisy chains with the little girls, among them his future wife. Think that embarrassed our endearingly awkward troop commander later? This was such a cute, touching story. I LOVE seeing Lorellin, bittersweet as it is. I feel so sad for her family because she was so good for them. (sigh) Ah well, at least we know that she gets reunited with Thranduil and the gang in the Blessed Realm. You did a great job with Daw's characters.

Author's reply

Thank you! Ithilden was very badly hurt when his mother died, I think. He just showed it less than Eilian and Legolas. Thank goodness he notice Alfirin when he did - she healed him better than anything else could have done. Although I dread to think how they both coped when Sinnarn .... I wonder if Ithilden realised later that Alfirin had been one of those ellyth ... Probably - he knew she was Gwaleniel's daughter. But he didn't have Naneth around to remind him - gleefully - of the occasion. One of the nicest things with elves is that you can hope for happy reunions in the west. Daw has had thoughts in the past about Turgon - and Galelas. I wonder what Legolas would think of them when they return... I think he might well find he has little in common with Turgon as an adult, but Galelas and he might well find a better understanding. I'm glad you liked the story - it was great fun playing with Daw's characters.

thechevin · 17 July 2006 · Chapter 1: First Sight

Oh this was a real delight some of my favourite characters written by one of my favourite writers. I do so love Daw's universe and miss her writing so this was a treat and to see the family so happy with Lorellin makes it all the sweeter. All of those characters you see as adults seen here in their innocent youth and even Ithilden was persauded to relax a little under his Naneth's influence, how she must have been missed when she died Lovely thank you, and happy birthday to Daw for Friday

Author's reply

Thank you. I do love Daw's world - her characters are so delightful and I love them all. (Well, except, perhaps for Tinar and his parents!) I could read about them for ever - completely regardless of whether there are any canon characters involved or not! All these lovely elflings of around the same age together - it's a goldmine for stories, really. And Ithilden came in, perhaps, a little too sure of himself and on his dignity. His naneth does like making him take off his troop commander's hat and release the Wood elf within. Child-minding is certainly enough to show him that he has his limits!

French Pony · 17 July 2006 · Chapter 1: First Sight

Awww. . . Ithilden makes such a good straight man. I love how Lorellin likes setting him up. She does know her boys inside and out. And here comes the elder Terrible Trio, sharp-toothed elleth and all! Celuwen really is a fun little girl, although one can see why Ithilden would prefer Alfirin. He's much more the daisy-chain-making type, which would embarrass him mightily if his troops ever found out. Not that they don't know already, of course.

Author's reply

Poor Ithilden. There's nothing like somebody who expected to be dignified ... they do make particularly good straight men. I think Lorellin would love to shake off some of his certainty - she's been trying to interest him in maidens, but sadly will miss out on the fun of seeing him lose all control over himself as he tries to get to know Alfirin better! I reckon Solith's daughter would have no automatic respect for the troop commander ... and she's already protective of Eilian. Yes, I can see Ithilden enjoying making daisy-chains. They do as they're told. (I hope he and Alfirin have a daughter when they are settled in the west. They deserve a sweet little girl ... Of course, they'll probably get a termagent.)

sofia · 17 July 2006 · Chapter 1: First Sight

oh that was delightful. I was laughing out loud when Eilian was wiggling his 'little bottom' and when Celuwen bit Ithilden's leg. Great story.

Author's reply

Thank you! Ithilden is a bit out of his depth when confronted with elfling logic - he certainly never expected to be bitten by a protective elleth. Or to tumble in the stream. He has learned that his dignity is unlikely to survive undamaged, though!

Nilmandra · 17 July 2006 · Chapter 1: First Sight

I am howling with laughter here! Ithilden playing with elflings - I love it. The boisterous ellon and their games, soaking wet after Eilian's stunt... I think Ithilden was better off with the ellyth, making daisy chains! Easier to direct them. He was just so out of his league and his Naneth teasing him was priceless. This was fun. Celuwen biting him on the leg, LOLOL. Oh yeah. This is barely coherent, running off to work. I have to read this again when I get home.

Author's reply

Thank you! I can just see Ithilden - serious, sensible, organised, in-control Ithilden - being putty in the hands of elflings. Especially little ellyth, somehow. I reckon he would try to manage Eilian and his friends like undersized novices (although he might come off poorly in any attempt to impose reason), but the little ellyth would humour him. And Celuwen wasn't going to let him torment Eilian! I was having interesting thoughts about Celuwen and Gelmir and their attitudes towards authority. Gelmir - his father is a warrior and doubtless respects Ithilden and Thranduil and Gelmir has absorbed his feeling that they have authority (- and it's not just his constant trouble in Eilian's company that has made him wary of I and T). Celuwen, on the other hand, it Solith's daughter. No respect comes without qualification - it all has to be earned, and earned each time. She's polite (mostly), but not impressed.

daw the minstrel · 17 July 2006 · Chapter 1: First Sight

Oh, another one. I'm so happy! The first paragraph made me laugh. Ithilden is so bossy. His mother is farther from the stronghold than he thinks wise. LOL. Shut up, kid. Your wise mother thought of things like having you meet other children outside the palace. Poor Ithilden. Being a child didn't come easy to him. It's touching that his mother sees him as organized but also sees his fundamental sweetness. Lovely little scene of the boys splashing and the little girls frowning at them. And how funny that Ithilden gets assigned the child watching duties! He's not the first person who comes to my mind for that, but he's very good with them. And of course, Alfirin, Celuwen, Siondel and Gelmir are all there because I made them all the same age. Children of the peace, they are. Celuwen amused me by announcing she'd have a sword too. Turns out Ithilden was right that she didn't want a sword as an adult, but I'm not so sure she ever lost her inclination for 'unsuitable behavior.' On the other hand, so far as I know, she never bit anyone as adult! Unless they wanted to be bit, of course. :-) This was truly lovely, Bodkin. The people felt real and their small doings helped weave the connections and consequences that would be their lives. Thank you so much for this gift.

Author's reply

Happy Birthday, Daw!!! I hope you don't mind me dipping my toes into your world. It was, I must say, great fun. Ithilden has a bit of a tendency to Know Best, I've always found - although it comes from the sweet and protective side of his personality. And he is always serious about everything - how can his mother possibly show greater wisdom when she's always talking about enjoying yourself and taking time to see the beauty of the world? He needed to meet friends on their own terms - where they could accept him into their world. And, even then, I doubt he found making friends easy. I reckon Lorellin would enjoy throwing Ithilden in at the deep end. Not just Eilian, but a dozen elflings. And wanting to do a dozen different things, too. Elowen is there, too - she's the one with the braid of soft brown. I tried to get her name in, but it just sounded artificial. Celuwen might not have ended up with a sword, but she was very good at throwing knives! And independent enough not to follow all the rules. She did outgrow biting, though - except for pleasure. I'm glad you liked it, Daw. It was great fun to play with all these little elflings - and I'm glad Ithilden decided to enjoy himself in the end.

Gwynhyffar · 17 July 2006 · Chapter 1: First Sight

This was delightful! I love Ithilden, and his mother looking forward to him playing with someone he can't control was wonderful! Of course, Celuwen being the real terror was priceless. He though Eilian the worst of the lot! His thoughts at the end about naneths dealing with their little terrors had me rolling. How he underestimates his mother! Great story, Bodkin!

Author's reply

Ithilden does like things to go according to plan ... It's what made his courtship such a delight. (And Thranduil was very kind not to laugh at him. I suspect Lorellin would have been in stitches once Ithilden was out of earshot.) Exposure to Eilian would have prepared him more for the delights of Sinnarn. Gelmir would never have attempted to rescue Eilian from Ithilden, I think. His father is a warrior and Ithilden is the troop commander! Solith, on the other hand, is far too independent-minded to consider that worthy of respect on its own - maybe his attitude had passed on to his daughter! He does underestimate Lorellin - she's light-hearted and impulsive and can be a bit headstrong (does she sound as if she's related to Eilian?) but she's clever - and can see further into a brick wall than most! Thank you. I'm glad you liked it.

Elflingimp · 17 July 2006 · Chapter 1: First Sight

I loved this Bodkin! It kinda reminded me of my daycare that I run and some of the things little kids do, the advice at the end was great,not to file the day away in an dusty box,all of us could use that advice and also ,Happy Birthday Nilmandra!!!!!!

Author's reply

Little kids are such fun - and it'll do Ithilden good to spend rather more time among them. And give him some idea of the fun he will have with Sinnarn in years to come. Not to mention getting him out of his office for a while to smell the forest and take joy in the little things. Thank you!

Jay of Lasgalen · 17 July 2006 · Chapter 1: First Sight

A lovely, lovely story, Bodkin. Ithilden is wonderful - but no, I can't ever see him as being a 'giddy' child like Eilian! It was great to see all the other characters from Daw's stories as youngsters, their different characters already apparent. Celuwen was my favourite - so feisty in her determination in wanting to be a warrior, and biting Ithilden! It's interesting that she was defending Eilian at the time. Lorellin was delightful - so full of joy and determined to share that with both her sons. Her thought about a daughter like Alfirin was sad - she'll never know that she was right eventually.

Author's reply

Poor Ithilden - everyone should have their moments of giddiness! And he must have had some ... maybe ... when he was very small. But I don't think he was ever a free as Eilian. Born being the heir. I have lists of characters and who is how old and what their parents are called - and there were definitely a lot who were around Eilian's age. Celuwen could beat Eilian at knife-throwing - and she must have practised that a lot! And I can see her coming to his defence - Gelmir, I think, even when young, would always see Ithilden overlaid by the troop commander, but Solith is bolshie enough not to let that bother him - and Celuwen might well have a rather more ... independent attitude. I would like to see more Lorellin! She left a big mark on both her older sons - and poor Legolas missed out on a lot, not having her for long. She did get Alfirin as a daughter - and she would have loved that. It was great to play in Daw's world - it is a delightful environment and full of the most delicious characters. I'm glad you liked it.