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History Lessons: The Second Age  by Nilmandra 21 Review(s)
AvonReviewed Chapter: Prologue on 1/22/2004
Finally got a chance to get started on this. I'm sure I'm going to like it just as much as the first one - even if I do have to put up with Arwen (ducks Arwen fans) ;-) I loved the twins and Glorifindel.

Avon

Author Reply: Oh, poor Arwen! I truly don't understand why people don't like her! Is it because of PJ's version of Arwen? Or Liv Tyler? Or did you dislike her from Tolkien's story? I am glad you liked the twins and Glorfindel, however. They will figure quite heavily in the story, as they are some of my favorites too. But poor little Arwen - really she is a sweet child!

Elena TirielReviewed Chapter: Prologue on 11/24/2003
Okay, I'm calm now. Really. My Elven Muse made me smoke some Athelas and eat some Haagen Daazs mocha almond fudge ice cream while he cuddled me.

What a wondrous interlude! To have the whole family involved in the birthing process like that is a delight. I could just imagine Elrohir's look as he got to cut the umbilical cord! And Celeborn patiently holding the clean cloths for an hour until he could clean her off -- and then not wanting to let her go! And the twins introducing themselves together...

I've always loved Elrond, and I'm glad Celebrian let him support her as her partner this time. She sounds like such a wise and loving woman! And Galadriel, too.

I think my favorite was the part with Glorfindel. (And no, my Muse did NOT force me to say that.) He is as surely smitten as the rest of the family! And I loved the memory of him holding the newborn twins in one arm, with them holding on to his thumb and pinky, and him predicting which weapon they would excel in. And the two of them cuddling up against his legs in the Hall of Fire, feeling so loved, as well.

Okay, that's it. My eyes are puddling up again. Glorfy, is there any more ice cream left? I'm in great emotional distress, and could definitely use a long snuggle...

Author Reply: Isn't Glorfindel wonderful? For all of his teasing and jokes, he loves this little family dearly. Hope he cuddled with you the restof the weekend. :D

Elena TirielReviewed Chapter: Prologue on 11/24/2003
Awwwww. *sniffle*

Fan81981Reviewed Chapter: Prologue on 11/22/2003
I loved this. But then I love all the stuff you write. You are such an inspiration. You manage to write about characters which are real (well as real as elves can get), and are good people. It is so refreshing from people's tendancy to write about unusual (read weird, distrubed) characters. Your characters are normal, decent people. They have gone through some hard times but their love for each other really comes through. Elrond's teasing and love for his wife, children was very heart warming.

But I must say my favourite bit was Celeborn and Galadriel (you fed my Celeborn obession really well). You included them (and the Twins) really skillfully into the chapter. I am glad they had a role. Celeborn's foreboding, the way he holds onto little Arwen - the understanding b/w him and Galadriel - sigh. I'm in love - again. This is all your fault. It's not a good thing for my poor heart.

"He placed Arwen into Galadriel’s arms, and then pulled them both close." - this was my favourite. That is until the next section. Glorfindel at his most formal was very touching. This is a very tight family - I am looking foward to reading about them.

I have to go for dinner now but I will read the next chapter very soon. Something to look forward to. :D

Author Reply: Glad you liked it :D I am glad the characters seem real and decent - I believe they were just as most people are today, too. I liked the more natural childbirth, and making it a family affair. And Celeborn was bestotted the moment he laid eyes on that child. Given his chance, he wouldn't ever give her up!

Orophins DottirReviewed Chapter: Prologue on 11/21/2003
Hooray, I finally get to be there at the start of a Nilmandra story! What a wonder this one seems to be. Arwen and her willing slaves.

I was just a complete pile of ooze with my big Library Rat Elrond and his friend Glorfindel.

"'Why do I fear for her?' whispered Celeborn" just about broke my heart. All were lovely but Celeborn was the best. He just totally captured my heart with his reactions.

I shall ask our Prince to convince his own Ada to cough up a few of his fabled jewels as a suitable birthing gift. Shouldn't be difficult. Thranduil is a known softie, right?

Humble Scribe to his Majesty Thranduil



Author Reply: Glad you liked Celeborn! He was besotted by baby Arwen, indeed. And wasn't 'Library rat Elrond and his friend Glorfindel' both magnificent? A beautiful baby girl and all the men are tripping over their feet for her.....

SphinxReviewed Chapter: Prologue on 11/20/2003
So cute!!

She's already got them leaping at every bat of her eyelash, eh?

Very nice chapter, and I particularly loved the interaction between Galadriel and Celeborn. And to liken Arwen to Luthien from the very beginning brought such a tinge of poignancy to the fic, knowing as we do how it ends finally.

Lovely. Waiting to see more.

Author Reply: Thanks Sphinx! I am looking forward to showing Arwen as a child - and hoping people will like her!

ElvenesseReviewed Chapter: Prologue on 11/17/2003
Well, everyone has already said what I'd like to say.

It's wonderful, what a lovely way to bring a child into the world.

Author Reply: I thought elves would make childbirth a wonderful family experience. For some reason, I think they were calmer than they were with the twins :D

phoenix23531Reviewed Chapter: Prologue on 11/17/2003
Another wonderful story begins! I absolutely adore the development of Arwen's character in this prologue. Particularly the subtle (and not so subtle) hints that she will have them all wrapped around her little finger very soon!
I must say that, in reading various fanfics and Tolkien works, I am now remembering First Age history far better thanks to your last efforts. You have managed to turn a very VERY confusing Age into something memorable and enjoyable, for which I am so very grateful. I cannot wait for these next lessons to begin!
All the best!
(oh, and as a p.s., I am still working on that story. It's just been a bit hectic. I promise to send a copy as soon as I get a bit further! Thanks again for all your and Daw_the_minstrel's help!)

Author Reply: I am glad you remember more of the second age because of the story! The Second Age will be equally challenging as nothing is written beyond some slightly conflicting stories in HoME. I am looking forward to your story - you have a gift for humor:D

BejaiReviewed Chapter: Prologue on 11/17/2003
How delightful, Nilmandra! I'm so glad you decided to spin us another tale, and am looking forward to the journey!

Author Reply: Thanks, Bejai. I think the second age will be a challenge...indeed it already is! :/

MarnieReviewed Chapter: Prologue on 11/17/2003
Oh, lovely! Why is it that elves even manage to give birth with more grace and dignity than we do? Loved the fact that everyone was ready for it and it was all so calm and loving.

Glorfindel's reaction was just so charming, and I like the way everyone spoke to her as if she could understand - I think that must be right, given that elvish children are more advanced in the early years.

And Celeborn was wonderful of course :) Loved him just not letting her go! But I also loved his worry at the thought that she looked like Luthien. And the little detail about how Elu Thingol felt about keeping Luthien safe from harm was something I liked very much. Too many people forget that the reason Thingol behaved badly to Beren was because he was trying to protect his daughter. Elrond's going to face the same test himself - which, no doubt is what Celeborn fears.

Can I put this on the site, *Please*? It's lovely to see a little Arwen fic, she doesn't get the attention she deserves.

Oh, and I loved the Twins telling Erestor 'we will teach her all we know' What a threat!

Author Reply: I think Glorfindel and Arwen are going to have some stormy times, for some reason. Thanks for wanting it for your site - I'll send you the next chapter as soon as daw approves it!

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