“Nothing like some quality introspection to start the day I suppose.”
10:Someone who makes you happy effortlessly?
“This one is easy. My son and my wife, or rather her spirit and touch that still lingers in our garden.”
19:Thoughts on affection/intimacy.
“I’m not quite sure what I am supposed to say here. My thoughts on intimacy vary greatly depending on who the other party or parties are. I do believe there are some immutable standards or rules when it comes to intimate matters. The first is consent. No amount of ale or wine or other party favour justifies robbing someone of their dignity or security. The second is laughter. Laughter and conversation. A strong marriage is full of it. Not cruel laughter of course, unless it is the kind that comes after tickling someone’s foot that is sticking out from under the duvet. The third is to never leave toenails or crumbs in the bed.”
22. A time when you felt the most yourself?
“I always feel like myself when I am hunting. I do not feel empowered by having control over a game animal’s life, but rather by the whole experience. Even if I come back with empty hands and a full quiver; the crisp bite of the air, the sounds of everything in the Forest and field unfurling and chirping in tandem with the hoofbeats of my mount will stay with me for days. I also gained a new appreciation for what it means to “feel like myself” after Legolas’s birth. My initial recovery after Dagorlad…was not one of the most proud parts of my life.
Endeavouring to rebuild the Greenwood with my injuries and the tragically diminished numbers of my people was no small feat. Mirkwood would not be the flourishing force it is today without many, many loyal, resilient souls and helping hands. After my wife passed during the birth of our son, I collapsed into a bottle of Dorwinion wine. Several bottles of Dorwinion wine. The moment I was roused and an attendant put my swaddled son in my arms, I felt as though I had broken through the ice covering the Marshes that had been trying to drown me with far more potency than the wine. I felt renewed, and truly like who I was supposed to be.”