OK, maybe it's my general mood but I think they all deserve each other this chapter. Except Flower Face, of course :-) First, of course Celuwen wants to go live with her parents while Eilian is away. A nice leafy treehouse insead of a nasty cave with her father-in-law? Sensible girl. She's already missing her husband, so why do you need to keep her from her family, Thranduil? Shame on you for giving her a dispassionate recitation of her place in the scheme of things instead of thinking about what she needs. On the other hand, Celuwen, darling, do you have amnesia and not remember who you married? You honestly expect Eilian to stay home until Lorien is all grown up? LOLOL. And Eilian. You've always been a tad rebellious but never, ever disrespectful. Sigh. So now, children. *waves hands* Tawk amongst yoahselves. Come back when you can all play nicely together. Go on....
Author's reply
LOL. They do all seem to be having a bad day at the same time. I think this is a situation with no good ways to escape. Although I do think that even if Eilian hadn't turned up when he did, Celuwen would have taken her daughter home. She really can't have Solith talking about Eilian like that in front of her. Poor Grandmother.
perelleth
· 29 March 2008
· Chapter 4: Choices
What a great surprisee! For a moment there, when I read that Eilian was later than expected I feared you had given into that old idea of killing Eilian off!
And then I had to laugh at THrnaduil considering that he should have gone himself to Mt Doom, if only to save himself the trouble! And I suppose that LEgolas statement that he had no family must have stung... a hard day for the king indeed!
Author's reply
LOL. You know, that thought about Eilian crossed my mind, but in "Question of Duty," he seems to be alive though of course he doesn't appear.
Poor Thranduil. His family wants a whole bunch of different things from him and he's about to get chewed up by Legolas, unless he puts his foot down. And that will be in his office. Where his papers are on the floor.
Jay of Lasgalen
· 29 March 2008
· Chapter 4: Choices
I'm so glad to see you're still writing in this universe! I love to revisit Thranduil, Eilian et al and the complex love they share.
Of course Celuwen misses Eilian, and seeks solace by sleeping among the trees. His reappearance is timely, and I love their reunion in Thranduil's office!
Thranduil's musings on the 'obedience' owed by a wife to her husband were very bittersweet. 'If he had been more willing to impose his will on Lorellin, she might be alive. What they would be to one another, of course, was a different question.' I can see his point, but it would never have worked - and he's wise enough to realise it, despite the cost.
Thank you, Daw. I loved this.
Jay
Author's reply
Thranduil and Eilian are always interesting to write, although by this time, they've settled down a bit, and are about to settle down a bit more, I think.
I hesitated over their using Thranduil's desk but decided they were Wood-elves---less wise. :-)
Thanks for the review, Jay. Writing is fun on its own, but it's more fun when I know readers enjoy what I write.
Nilmandra
· 29 March 2008
· Chapter 4: Choices
Poor Thranduil - conflicted, caught between the proverbial rock and hard place. One son or another is going to be mad at him.
Loriel is cute, and she does need her ada at home.
If I were Thranduil, I'd be getting on my horse and heading out of town too, before any more kids are mad at him. :D
Author's reply
Thank you for all your help on this.
I felt bad for Loriel, guarding her mother with her father's old wooden sword. It's good her father is home again.
Ces
· 29 March 2008
· Chapter 4: Choices
You know, I used to think Solith had his daughter's best interest at heart, but now I'm not so sure. He seems to think of what's good for him or what he thinks Celuwen needs. Ah well, Eilian is back now.
Poor Legolas; his family will always try and protect him and he has to accept that! He will always be the baby in the family.
I would have loved to hear the conversation between Eilian and Thranduil when Eilian returned to find his wife gone! Thranduil probably wished himself elsewhere!
Love these stories! Keep them coming!
Ces
Author's reply
Thanks, Ces. Thranduil is having a bad day. Celuwen blames him for not appreciating Eilian. Solith hates him. And now Legolas is angry too. But Eilian is back with his wife and daughter, so that's better.
pipinheart
· 18 February 2008
· Chapter 3: Smaller Than a Bread Box
You feel the loss of Ithilden and Alfirin's son. You see how the birth of a new baby affects them all. Lorien seems thrilled, and all chatty while those two wish for a child. very nice...
Author's reply
I felt so sorry for Ithilden while I was writing this. I decided he and Alfirin needed a baby! Thanks for the review, Pipinheart.
obsidianj
· 4 January 2008
· Chapter 3: Smaller Than a Bread Box
A lovely chapter. The beginning was so sad. I felt for Ithilden having to listen to the joy of a new father and so being reminded of his own loss. No wonder he needed a few minutes to compose himself.
Loriel is adorable. I love her simplistic world view. But she managed to infuse new hope into Ithilden and Alfirin. At least she got them talking and sharing again.
Author's reply
Thanks, obsidianj. I amused myself by imagining the look on Eilian's face if he opened a letter telling him to go home and make a baby. :-)
Poor Ithilden. His grief is so overwhelming and he still believes he needs to be strong for others.
Idhreniel
· 29 December 2007
· Chapter 3: Smaller Than a Bread Box
Wonderful job Daw. Every time you write I want to read more!
Hugs,
Author's reply
Thanks, Idhreniel. I miss these characters when I'm not writing them. I'm trying to draft a novel right now. As soon as that draft is finished, I've promised myself the chance to write fanfic.
The Karenator
· 26 November 2007
· Chapter 3: Smaller Than a Bread Box
Gosh, Daw, you did a wonderful job of capturing Ithilden's emotions. I felt his despair, his guilt for not being able to protect his son, and the emptiness left by Sinnarn's passing. I cannot and do not want to know what it must feel like to lose a child, but you put yourself into that place and allowed Ithilden to mourn. That must be as low a point anyone could experience.
Flower Face jolted him out of his memories. She is such a hoot: innocent and sweet, and wholly Eilian's offspring. She's quite a character. I loved her questions. And I mean really, just call Ada home and get us a baby. It's so simple.
I would guess Ithilden and Alfirin will still wait a bit before they actually decide to carry through with a new baby, at least until they're able to better manage their grief. But the hope of new life is a potent healer. I can see the time they have between this scene and actually making the leap as a cleansing time to remember everything about Sinnarn, then getting to the place where they feel ready to give him a brother or sister. Joy. Joy in Sinnarn and joy in new life. As sad as this moment is for Ithilden and Alfirin, I see hope in it too.
Just lovely. And when they get around to having this new baby, I think it should be another boy. Not as a replacement for Sinnarn, but as a means for the entire family to face all their fears of having another male to join the 'family business'. Oh, don't you just love conflict? :>) Just happily musing. Whatever you decide, it'll be good. I have no doubt.
Author's reply
Thanks, Karen. I think Ithilden is someone who keeps his emotions inside, which make it harder for him to heal.
Flower Face's questions are direct quotes from my son when he was a pre-schooler. It's all such a mystery. And I'm sure Eilian would be happy to oblige and take his wife to bed as often as possible. He might have to draw the line at another baby just now though. I think the one he has is a handful.
I'd been thinking about a girl, but a boy has real possibilities!
perelleth
· 24 November 2007
· Chapter 3: Smaller Than a Bread Box
Well, you piqued me. Knowing you I knew it would be hopeful, and I suspected that the only way to hope, or at least distraction in that situationwould be that... but the doll was a beautiful detail and flower face is an amusing child. I loved the awkwardness of the situation!
Author's reply
Flower Face was delivering lines originally delivered to me by my son. And let me tell you, those questions are hard to answer!
You didn't have to do this, Perelleth. I hope it helped soothe the airport crankiness.
Bodkin
· 24 November 2007
· Chapter 3: Smaller Than a Bread Box
Poor Ithilden. At the beginning when he was facing young-warrior Anolad and new-father Calith, I felt so sad for him. Everything must be a reminder of what he has lost - and he wouldn't be Ithilden if he wasn't blaming himself for it all. And Alfirin is trying to shield him from her own desolation and, in the process, managing to make him feel that she is closing him out because she cannot forgive him.
Loriel - who has the potential to be far too like her beloved Ada - must be salt in the wound, too. When Ithilden allowed himself to drift into the past and her footsteps reminded him of Sinnarn ... well. You are too good at tugging heartstrings.
I hope, I must say, that Emmelin has already sailed. Although having another child would in no way be to make a Sinnarn-substitute, if she were to be there when her parents-in-law produced the baby she herself yearned for, but Sinnarn did not trust the state of the world enough to create with her - it would, at the very least hurt. At worst, it could embitter her and turn her against her baby brother/sister-in-law.
I do love Ithilden and Alfirin. And I'm glad he is prepared to go against centuries of caution to create a child. And the twig dolls are delightful. As is the symbolism of Alfirin repairing the one that was broken.
Author's reply
When Ithilden allowed himself to drift into the past and her footsteps reminded him of Sinnarn ... well. You are too good at tugging heartstrings.
Several readers said that line was effective, and I was relieved. I thought it might be too farfetched.
Emmelin is gone. Elowen whisked her away and I think that's a good thing. I have it on good authority that things worked out well for them in time in Valinor. :-)
ziggy
· 23 November 2007
· Chapter 3: Smaller Than a Bread Box
Here am I in tears, hoping so much for Ithilden to be happy- the bit when Loriel runs in and he hopes/ wonders/ dreams that time has gone back and Sinnarn's death was not real- oh that just wrung me out. I love your characters, Daw. I was re-reading My bother's keeper last night so its wonderful to get an update of this!But the pain of Sinnarn's death, and poor Alfirn's longing and that flash of jealousy- beautifully conttrasts with Loriel's delightful unawreness.
Just love the previous chapter too- Beliond thinks it serves Eilian right to have that keg and half of trouble! And the impression she does of Legoasl ina strop!! More Beloind and Loriel I hope in the future- a great combination!!
Thank you!!
Author's reply
the pain of Sinnarn's death, and poor Alfirn's longing and that flash of jealousy- beautifully conttrasts with Loriel's delightful unawreness
That's so true. The atmosphere at the stronghold must be thick with grief, but Loriel is just flying along, exploring her world. She must sense others' grief and I'm sure she misses Eilian and is bewildered by his leaving her. But she doesn't have that same numbing, incredulous grief the rest of them feel. And maybe that's good for the rest of them.
Gwynhyffar
· 23 November 2007
· Chapter 3: Smaller Than a Bread Box
Oh.
My.
Gosh!
Poor Ithilden! I wanted to hug him for the entire first 3/4 of this story-well okay for the entire story. His pain was so real and he was trying to hard to be the stoic one. Breaking the twigdoll was so poignant. I almost bawled like a baby! Of course, he didn't react that way-his was already broken. Speaking of twigdolls, that was WONDERFUL! It's a perfect example of a cultural practice and symbolic act that (in my opinion) helps define a culture. The end was a big surprise! I was getting worried about Alfirin and Ithilden for awhile at the beginning because it seemed like they were being distant with each other. I hated to see that!
The promise of new life is wonderful, of course, but I almost feel sorry for any second elfling. I can only imagine how over-protective the 'rents will be!
Author's reply
I'm so glad you think the twig doll was a good cultural thingy. Given your profession, you know about stuff like that! :-)
This child would probably not be quite of age during the Ring War. So yes, I imagine you're right. Ithilden will want to be on guard.
ponypetter
· 22 November 2007
· Chapter 3: Smaller Than a Bread Box
It's so sad to imagine Sinnarn gone. I have to admit he was never my favorite of your OCs. Not that he's not a good character - it's just that he never jumped out to me like some of your others (Eilian, Ithilden, Beliond). His death was sad to me more because of how it affected the others, Ithilden in particular. He's one that I feel often draws the short straw.
The ending of this chapter made me so excited! I never imagined Ithilden and Alfirin would consider another child. I thought Ithilden would start to withdraw, become more like Beliond even. Perhaps that's the effect seeing Eilian with Loriel has had on him. It reminds him of why they decided to have a child in the first place - the joy it brings to them, and not the possible heartache if they lost it.
Loriel's innocent misunderstanding of the whole baby-making process was adorable. I can totally picture her telling her mother with Eilian's unassuming charm and Celuwen's frank nature that Ithilden and Alfirin need to make another baby. What a lovely chapter.
Author's reply
I always thought of Sinnarn as a minor character. And then I killed him and people reacted and I was just staggered. But I think you're right. His death affected almost all my other characters and they really felt the loss so maybe that's why readers did too.
Ithilden is lucky to have Alfirin. I think she's saved him from himself more than once, brought him back into life and let him see the possibility of happiness.
When Eilian hears about this little incident, he'll be mighty amused.
Dot
· 22 November 2007
· Chapter 3: Smaller Than a Bread Box
I saw the chapter alert for this and after my initial reaction of “yay, Ithilden!” I was a bit wary about how sad it was going to be. But it was so lovely! What a sweet note of hope runs through it.
I was so happy for Calith! I really do like him. Though I’m surprised the place is still standing with him missing. And Anolad is quite fun. It’s nice to see someone so cheerful and optimistic at what must be a truly awful time for the Woodland Realm. It was quite a touching insight too into Legolas’ thoughts that he kept this young warrior as far as possible from danger. I notice Ithilden let him too. The idea of the twig doll is wonderful. I love when you drop little things about their culture and customs into your stories. I’d swear my heart stopped when Anolad suggested giving it to Ithilden, though. Poor Ithilden. I thought he was very selfless in preventing his own grief from affecting Calith’s time of joy. How hard that must have been. Not that Calith can’t see right through him, of course. And the image of him in the garden, his pain such a physical presence, nearly had me in tears. I felt for him too in his worry about what Alfirin is thinking and his determination to keep his self control for what he feels is her sake. His head jerked toward the sound, and for a foolish moment, he thought his wishes had made time rewind, thought some merciful power had decided he shouldn't have to bear this pain after all. Ack. Even foolish hope can bring such crushing disappointment.
Loriel always makes me smile. She’s so full of life and doesn’t stay still for an instant! I don’t know how the adults around her keep a straight face either with half the things she comes out with. She’s so earnest in her explanations! She’s clearly doing Alfirin a world of good anyway.
I love how Alfirin fixes the doll, the symbol of new life, that Ithilden has broken in his grief. Very appropriate. And I’m glad Alfirin and Celuwen have each other. After all, Celuwen must miss and worry about Eilian.
“Write to Ada and tell him we need him to come home and make a baby," Loriel said. ROTFL! Yes do! And can I see his reaction, please?!
I’m not sure if I felt worse for Celuwen or for Alfirin and Ithilden when Loriel made her next suggestion. It’s so hard when you’re afraid of saying the wrong thing. Though as it turns out, it wasn’t the wrong thing at all and Ithilden might never have known otherwise what Alfirin was thinking. I feel bad for her that she’s kept this to herself because she feels he won’t agree and I bet a little part of her thinks he’d be right if he said it wasn’t the right time. I’d personally be wondering if it’s a result of being around Loriel when she misses her own child so much but I suppose the strength of the longing that Ithilden can feel in her probably tells him everything he needs to know.
"Eilian and Loriel were both born during times of relative peace, and what good has it done them?" Hmm. Well, that’s true. And those born in times of danger might have no choice but to fight it but they’ve turned out no better or worse than those born during peace. It’s funny how Ithilden has learned the same lesson as his father – that a child is a gift and a symbol of hope no matter how dark the world is. Just because they can’t offer the child peace doesn’t mean they can’t offer it love. And hey, they’ll have another child to grow up alongside Calith’s! I wonder what Maltanaur’s daughter is up to…
I’m actually not sure how I feel about Alfirin and Ithilden having another child. What I’m happiest about, I suppose, is how it will give them a chance to renew their own bond and perhaps take a step closer to healing. I’m so glad this story had a happy ending. And their families will be so pleased that they’re looking to the future and beginning to see the chances for joy in the world again.
This is a wonderful story, daw. I’m delighted fanfic called you back even for a while! Now I’d better get back to work. We don’t all have a holiday today, you know ;-)
Author's reply
I was just telling Elliska that the first draft of this chapter started with Ithilden in the garden but then I decided to back up and show what happened in Ithilden's office. It turned out to be interesting to write--to figure out things like who whether anyone could do Calith's job and who would be attempting it and how he got there. And would be the ME equivalent of a father giving out cigars? That's fun to do, I think.
You're very clever to pick up that moment when Alfirin mends the doll. It's a tiny moment, but I meant it to be fraught with meaning.
I imagine Eilian would laugh at the invitation to come home and take his wife to bed. Then he'd count the days until his leave was due. Poor guy. He's missing a lot of his daughter's growing up.
You are NOT going to tempt me into giving Maltanaur another grandchild! I'm already groaning at the thought of another OC in the form of Ithilden's new baby!
elliska
· 21 November 2007
· Chapter 3: Smaller Than a Bread Box
I have said it before and I'll say it again now: you are so good at making up little traditions for your worlds. I love the doll idea! Details like that make all the difference for me in enjoying an author's world. The first part of this was so sad. Poor Ithilden. But the conversation with Loriel had me laughing out loud. Such conversations are always filled with humor, but the last line as she was walking away was great! So glad I never had to have that conversation with children! This was great daw! I loved it!
Author's reply
I just wish I'd thought of the doll thing sooner, so it was in earlier stories too. Oh well. Better late than never, I guess.
When I first drafted this, I started with Ithilden in the garden but then I decided to back up and show Calith, and Anolad, and the giving of the doll and I was glad I did. In some ways, it was the most interesting part of the chapter to work out.
You like Loriel's last line? That one comes straight from my own experience as a mother!
mistry89
· 21 November 2007
· Chapter 3: Smaller Than a Bread Box
How very difficult to face the happiness of others when your grief is still so raw. That everyday life, with it's joys and irritations doesn't just stop, always seem odd to those who mourn, I think.
I did not suspect Alfirin longed for another child, and I thought Ithilden and Alfirin handled it beautifully.
Thank you - as always, a Keeper.
Author's reply
I can't imagine losing a child, and for elves such a loss must be doubly bewildering. I suppose though that Thranduil's people were practiced in seeking hope despite their grief. Poor things.
Thanks for the review, Mistry.
Jay of Lasgalen
· 21 November 2007
· Chapter 3: Smaller Than a Bread Box
I love the symbolism of the twig figures here - fertility, fruitfulness and life. It's very revealing from the way Ithilden and Alfirin react to Loriel's prattle about the baby that they are beginning to heal at last - her remarks bring smiles, not tears.
Ithilden's not my favourite character - that's Eilian! - but I really like him here. His response to his wife, "Eilian and Loriel were both born during times of relative peace, and what good has it done them?" shows he's thinking with his heart, not just his head.
I've used this chapter as my latest update for the NaNoReMo reading challenge :>)
Jay
Author's reply
Thank you for listing in the NaNoReMo, Jay.
At first I had the doll made out of yarn, but then I thought no, these are wood elves, so I switched to a twig figure. It's sort of the Mirkwood equivalent of giving out cigars. :-)
sofia
· 21 November 2007
· Chapter 3: Smaller Than a Bread Box
Oh! I'm so excited. They're going to have another baby! Thats wonderful news. And I think it will be a big help in their healing process to let in another being to love, because it would have been so sad and horrible if having another child was painful to them and then all they would be left with was a great sense of lost.
Can't wait to read more from you!
Author's reply
They're going to have another baby!
Yes they are, dismayed as I am at the idea of another OC to deal with. They needed that. And Loriel wants a baby around. :-)
Alice
· 21 November 2007
· Chapter 3: Smaller Than a Bread Box
Oh Daw! That was wonderful and touching. I was sure this was going to be a crying story for me and then you had that ending. (sigh) I'm so happy that they're going to have another baby. Sad about Sinnarn though. Poor Alfirin and Ithilden.
I love Loriel by the way. She's so funny! "How long does it take to grow a baby?" Hee. It must have been so exciting for her to see a baby. I can't imagine not having seen one before. Or being the only kid in her village. That must have sucked. My brother and I are only only one year apart so I can't imagine not having another kid to play with.
Well this made my day. Have a happy thanksgiving!
Author's reply
Thank you, Alice. I really vacillated about whether they'd have another child. I thought it might even seem like a betrayal of Sinnarn, somehow. But life is long for Elves. They must know how to pick themselves up and start over from truly awful things.
Loriel is fun for me. It's tricky to write a little kid without sentimentalizing them though. You have to control the cute factor :-)
Elena Tiriel
· 21 November 2007
· Chapter 3: Smaller Than a Bread Box
Hi Daw!
It's great to see this new chapter... but what a surprise! I would never in a million years have guessed that that is what Alfirin was keeping from Ithildin!
As usual, the little details of how your characters think and deal with each other are what makes this story so rich... like Ithildin's observations about Anolad acting half-starved, and his guess as to why Legolas appointed him Calith's stand-in.... Legolas is really a true Thranduilion, isn't he? And Flower-face is a joy.
I don't know whether I've ever told you this, but I go back and re-read your stories whenever I'm feeling down and need something to cheer me up... I just love how the family you created for Thranduil and Legolas love, quarrel, complain, tease, and act just like real family members (only much nicer, most of the time...). I'm just getting over an illness, but still too tired to do much other than read, so I'm going through your stories again.... and enjoying every single one. Just finished Visitors, and laughed myself silly over and over....
Thank you for giving such gifts to your readers, Daw.
- Barbara
Author's reply
Legolas is off stage here, but it was fun to suggest his presence and how he manages as Home Guard captain after Sinnarn's death. I can just see him telling Ithilden with a straight face that Anolad will be useful in his office.
Thank you for telling me how you reread the stories, Barbara. That's comforting to me. I'm struggling with original fic a bit, and it's good to know that a reader is enjoying my writing.
Socket
· 20 November 2007
· Chapter 3: Smaller Than a Bread Box
"His head jerked toward the sound, and for a foolish moment, he thought his wishes had made time rewind, thought some merciful power had decided he shouldn't have to bear this pain after all."
Oh, this is one of the most touching moments from your canon, Daw. Simply stunning.
I love how you intertwine the parents' deep, still raw grief over the loss of the son with the sweet humor of the innocent child's questions about "where do babies come from." And wouldn't it be fantastic if the Royal Family of Mirkwood would to have a new addition!
No matter how many years past since the LotR films, I still love reading your stories, Daw. Thank you for returning time and again to this wonderful canon! Have a great Thanksgiving!
Author's reply
I can't imagine the pain of losing a child like that. Poor Ithilden. I'm so grateful to Bodkin for writing a story about Sinnarn in Valinor. It made me feel much better.
But at least Ithilden knows he could ease Alfirin's pain a little. Maybe. What do you think? A little girl?
meckinock
· 20 November 2007
· Chapter 3: Smaller Than a Bread Box
I just love Flower Face. You do a great job with kids. Interesting though how in this story the person who jumped out at me the most - you're going to laugh -is Legolas. He's young in so many of your stories, but here, even off-screen, it was such a contrast to imagine him as a veteran looking after the young troops. I loved this line:
It had crossed Ithilden's mind that Legolas too might be reacting to Anolad's youth and be trying to store him in a place even safer than the usual Home Guard patrol
Oh, and I laughed at this: round cheeks and the half-starved way he fell upon his food. What an image, and so crustily appropriate coming from Ithilden!
The heart of the story was so warm and poignant. Knowing how hard it can be even for people with infertility issues to be around babies, I can't imagine how painful it must be for Ithilden and Alfirin at this time. It was such a heart-breaking moment when Ithilden heard the child's footsteps coming along the path and for an instant thought he might have won a reprieve from Fate. Grief is so hard. I thought he was going to break down right then and there. I was so glad that he realized what Alfirin had been so guarded around him and that he opened his heart to her. They need each other, and they need the hope that a new life can bring. Lovely story, daw.
Author's reply
Legolas was a late addition to the story, but it seemed to me that he too must be worried by the death of Sinnarn. So he sends his youngest warrior to serve as Ithilden's aide, a task the kid is just not up to, at least not in the way Calith is. Maybe he got to play with the oliphant paper weights.
I really hesitated to do this because I need more OCs like I need a hole in the head, but what the heck. A little girl maybe?
No Pen Name
· 9 October 2007
· Chapter 2: The Mouths of Babes
I have enjoyed all your stories and I am wondering if you will be finishing this story. I love reading and found your stories and what can I say but WOW!
A new fan,
Sylvia
Author's reply
Hi, Sylvia--
Thank you so much. You have no idea how good that makes me feel.
This story is loose and episodic, without an overall plot line, so what I plan to do is add to it whenever I get the itch to visit these characters again. I think Loriel would be fun to follow through to adulthood. Eilian will go crazy when she's old enough for the boys to come around. He recognizes the wrong kind of boy immediately. He used to be one!
At the moment, I'm spending most of my energy writing original fic. Just came back from a week-long writer's workshop as a matter of fact.
daw
elliska
· 3 August 2007
· Chapter 2: The Mouths of Babes
Oh I laughed myself silly when I read this! Flower Face certainly is Eilian in a maid's form, isn't she?! Thranduil's trick, Legolas's reaction, the real reason for Ithilden's injury and all that told by a bubbling little girl to Beliond, no less. There isn't a better combination! Poor Thranduil. He is going to get an earfull--children telling people things they can use for their own purposes indeed! Great addition, daw!
Author's reply
Goodness, Elliska. Are you home from the mountains?
I used to drive a car pool with a bunch of kids aged six to nine. You'd be amazed what they'd tell.
I think Flower Face is going to give her parents a run for their money. Maybe they need to get her a keeper.