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History Lessons: The Second Age  by Nilmandra 14 Review(s)
KarriReviewed Chapter: 3 on 12/2/2003
A very entertaining couple of chapters. The twins relationship with Arwen is adorable. :-) Glorfindel's return to earth is not at all how I imagine it, but it was well-thought out and beautifully written. And *gasp* two little Peredhil in the raging river! That's quite the cliffy... :-P

Author Reply: Writing Glorfindel's re-embodiment was interesting - how in the world do you write something like that? I wanted a different angle than others had used, though, and since I am very soft hearted I wanted it to be a good experience. I love finding out what others imagine it though!

MeljeReviewed Chapter: 3 on 12/2/2003
Hi! I don't suppose you remember me, I only reviewed a couple of time back on fanfic.net. I went through a loooong lurking period but I'm trying to de-lurk, and though I know I'm reading too much to review everybody, I'll try at least to regularly drop a line to my very favourite authors!

So, here's to your "new" story: I love that you have the twins in it! I mean, grown up twins, though I like the cute pair of elflings, too. Hope you'll do more stories with them.

I KNEW Arwen was in the cart! But when did she get in? And how? OK, OK, don't tell me now, I'll wait patiently.

I hope you're not going to hurt poor Elrohir too much; though I know this is no AU, so I'm not worrying too much. On the other hand, you can do whatever you want with Arwen.

And what's this with a cliff-hanger?! Since when you do cliff-hangers?! I'm looking forward to the next chapter!

Author Reply: Hi Melje - thanks for coming on over to SoA! Poor Elrohir and Arwen are in for a tough time, but they are both tough and will pull through. I have no idea what prompted the cliffhangar - it just sort of happened :D.

Orophins DottirReviewed Chapter: 3 on 12/1/2003
Yikes, cliffie!!! Nilmandra, how could you! Well, I shall be calm. Glorfy is there and all will be well. I can count on this, can't I? I am going off to polish bells and wait. Possibly, I will chew my fingernails or what's left of them.

Humble Scribe to his Majesty Thranduil

Author Reply: *grins* Well, it was easy - which scares me. I don't normally torture my characters :P Glorfindel is there though, and he makes all things better. ;)

Jay of LasgalenReviewed Chapter: 3 on 12/1/2003
Young youngs? I think I meant young ones! Sorry!


Jay

Jay of LasgalenReviewed Chapter: 3 on 12/1/2003
Great! Do I sense twin angst looming? And Arwen angst as well! I feel so sorry for Elrond and Celebrian - I can imagine how distraught they must feel. And Elrond and Erestor talking to the young youngs was very well done.

How wonderful to see Olorin as a Maia - it's easy to forget just who and what he is. And Glorfindel's memories of awakening were great.

I have just one question - how did Arwen manage to stow away on the wagon without anyone realising she was there? Didn't she get hungry? Thank goodness Elrohir saw her in time, though - but what's going to happen to them both? BTW, love Glorfindel's remark 'There's nothing in there worth risking your life for' - Ha! If he only knew!

I hate cliffies - please update soon!

Jay

Author Reply: Yes, twin angst and Arwen angst and parent angst. I honestly don't know what has gotten into me. I like happy stories!

phoenix23531Reviewed Chapter: 3 on 12/1/2003
Ok, first and foremost, I must say this: I nearly choked on my orange juice when Olorin identified himself! Nice touch!
Sorry I didn't post a review for the last chapter or so, I was out of the country. But I wanted to make sure I left something for this story, as it keeps getting better and better. Your characterisations are fantastic, especially of the mirthful (and devious) Glorfindel and the ever-wonderful Erestor. I also love the mention of the horse's delight in bells without mentioning Asfaloth (who probably wouldn't be sired for another ... few thousand or so years?)
The descriptions of Glorfindel's past, both in Aman and Valinor, are wonderful. I particularly liked the way you developed his family history. Also, the way you described the experience of being dis- and re- embodied was great! I loved Olorin's subtle humour in coaxing Glorfindel awake again. My colleagues couldn't figure out why I was coughing and laughing at the same time. Furthermore, Olorin's line “You have many questions. This is good, for I have many answers,” was priceless! Olorin? Many answers? Not according to anyone in the Fellowship. At least not until Pippin and Gandalf ride to Minas Tirith. Sheesh!
I got the distinct feeling, when reading about Elrond and Celebrian's reactions to Arwen's disappearance, that Elrond is in for a rough few days. Especially after drugging his wife! (Ooh, I would not envy him that position, especially not the following day!)
The action and suspense were very well timed and plotted out, leaving me with no other course but to offer this ultimatum: MORE CHAPTERS!!!!!!!
Oh, and just a quick little nuisance: in the section starting off "Nûrsûl had left Imladris at daybreak, carrying nothing but his weapons, bedroll, water, a supply of lembas and a small pouch with necessities and the message he was to deliver. He was the fasted rider in Imladris, and often served as messenger." Just wanted to point out the fasted/fastest bit. I can't tell you how many times I will read a story of mine and still people will point, poke and generally prod out all the gritty, silly little errors. Gah! Drives me nuts!
Emma

Author Reply: I am glad you like my version of these characters. I loved the idea that Glorfindel spent time in Aman with Olorin before returning to Middle-earth - how fun would it be to write something of their relationship in the third age? Glorfindel would be one of the few people who knew who he was.

Thanks for catching the typo - they do slip by despite the best of intentions!

BejaiReviewed Chapter: 3 on 12/1/2003
Gah!! Cliffhanger!! Nilmandra, you'd better have the next chapter ready to go ASAP, or it's quite possible that I'll just sit here staring at the screen, accomplishing nothing until then.

Loved Glorfindel's rebirth/rehousing. One of the best descriptions and explanation of the process and the results that I have. And I knew it was Olorin! A credit to your writing that you can telegraph it.

Now, get writing!

Author Reply: I am glad you liked the rehousing of Glorfindel! I have seen it done very well in angsty format, but I am rather softhearted, so to be different i wanted it to be a more joyful experience - and it was fun to write after writing Arwen's birth and the joy around that. And I loved in the essay on Glorfindel the speculation that he was a student of Olorin! I think we might have a bit of fun with that....

MarnieReviewed Chapter: 3 on 12/1/2003
Oh you meanie! I thought it would be a relief if she was in the wagon, but now look! How are we going to get out of this? *Please* let them be found next chapter, I'm not sure I can stand the strain, let alone poor Celebrian.

I did enjoy Glorfindel's awakening in Valinor, and I'm so glad that it was a joyful experience for him - it certainly seems to me that Tolkien meant for it to be that way and not yet another source of angst. Olorin was instantly recognisable by character long before we heard his name. I envy you that - I dont think I could write a good Gandalf.

And I'm so glad the cavalry are riding to the rescue, though what they hope to accomplish, given that the journey takes months, I don't know. At least Glorfindel, Elladan and Nursul are on the spot.

More please very soon before my bloodpressure does me a damage :)

Author Reply: Thanks marnie! I am glad you liked the Glorfindel awakening - I have seen that story done well in the angst format, so thought I might be pushing it a bit with making it joyful.

And yes, elves are to the rescue!

Iawen LondeaReviewed Chapter: 3 on 12/1/2003
GAH! Evilness lol. Evil cliffies... More soon, great chapter! Very intense lol.

Author Reply: Very intense and very evil. I promise to go punish myself :D

Antigone_QReviewed Chapter: 3 on 11/30/2003
Beautiful, beautiful, beautiful! I wondered what it was like for Elves who became re-embodied, and (for me anyway) you wrote it just right.

I very much liked the scene where Elrond comforts the little Elfling who was mean to Arwen. I love compassion, and I've noticed you write a lot of it into your stories.

Author Reply: I do like compassion, and if that comes through in my stories, I am thankful! I like to weave Tolkien's themes into my story - sacrifice, friendship, love, mercy, pity - he really wrote real people who overcame and were decent people. I like that :D

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