The Book of Three

Yes that closeup of Taran and Melyngar is my favorite thing on this page.

I guess realistically Fflewddur will have a full beard by the time they get to Caer Dathyl!

That aside of his is my own addition and I’ll probably get some flack for it from the hardcore literary purists. But my head canon is full of little comments and witticisms and side-jokes that they could have said but just didn’t make it into the text because Alexander was such a minimalist. I love how small things like play with the characters and round them out though. In my head, Eilonwy and Fflewddur have a very affectionate, banter-y relationship.

We bipeds appear insufferably Pecksniffian in our deference to the banishment of natural odours to all the canids I've known, and likely any wolves as well.
Also, I love the banter too, even if it isn't strictly canonical. It's clearly affectionate, since spavined ___ and the live don't show up.

He really is such a lovely character. I adore him.

That and people always underestimate how mature and wise he is. I mean, as quirky as he is, he was the most level headed person I knew.

It's true. Very understated because he's comedic, but if you actually think about the humility and maturity it takes for a grown man to step aside and allow this wet-behind-the-ears kid to assume the leadership role, it's pretty astonishing. And at the same time you know he's there, ready to take over once circumstances get over Taran's head (the battle scenes toward the end, etc.)

Ha! Yes, I suppose it dampens one's appreciation of scenery to be listening to apex predators following on one's trail.

Taran's brilliance is rare enough at this point that E has to make an obligatory obnoxious remark about it. Can't let that golden chance fly by.

Thanks Rob! I appreciate your faithful feedback!

I suspect our bard's whiskers would grow with the same reckless abandon and ignorance of consistent direction as his hair.

He IS a walking dandelion...

I just think of him as a cross between Lloyd and my own husband. It works really well. :)

Maybe not, but only because Americans probably wouldn’t know what it meant and would assume you were being dirty. I’m not sure how much either word is used in Britain anymore for that matter. But it’s one of my favorites, along with cheeky monkey.

Well, Wales does have those kinds of mountains, and we’ll get to them! I just can’t bear to pass up the chance to show all the different types of scenery! Melyngar is about to get them out of the woods and into the heather though. :)

Huh. Well, good to know - too late to go back on this one.

And yes, Fflewddur has always taken the lead in terms of where they are headed - Taran did, if you recall, ask him to act as their guide; Taran's leadership rests in the decision-making, but having never been out of Caer Dallben, it would be ridiculous for him to forge their path.