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History Lessons: The Second Age  by Nilmandra 12 Review(s)
shireboundReviewed Chapter: 8 on 1/16/2004
I finally had time to catch up with your wonderful story! I really enjoyed Cirdan telling Glorfindel what was happening in Middle-earth -- it's interesting to hear his perspective of what was important to tell, and how he described things. I like the fact that Glorfindel knelt to Gil-Galad (he's so inherently humble!).

And oh, what bittersweet foreboding: "Elrond was too stunned to speak. Unable to even ponder what it would take to part his loyalty from Gil-Galad..." How could he possibly imagine what was to occur?

You continue to weave two stories that are both fascinating and wonderfully interwoven.

Author Reply: Thanks, Shirebound. I have tried to base some of Glorfindel's gentler traits on the Vanyar elves - yet he remains a fierce warrior when there is need. There is much freedom in writing the Second Age - which is both good and bad :/

meckinockReviewed Chapter: 8 on 1/10/2004
It was nice to see Cirdan's personality rounded out, and his "while you were away" briefing to Glorfindel was a great way to bring in the physical layout of the Havens and the current geographic and political situation in ME. Elrond's annoyance at being exclused from a high-level meeting and his speechlessness at Glorfindel's arrival were very amusing. His personality sure shines through, but he's not quite as in-control as we are accustomed seeing him, is he? I hope the twins are right and we will soon hear about Glordfindel butting heads with Gil-Galad!

Author Reply: Thanks, Meckinock - the physical descriptions and politics are not very interesting to write about, so I love just weaving it in with other interesting things. Like Glorfindel ;D

LKKReviewed Chapter: 8 on 1/9/2004
Do not question such gifts, Elrond. Just treasure them.

Sometimes those gifts are people like Glorfindel.
Sometimes those gifts are the result of talented people like you.

All are gifts to be treasured.

LKK



Author Reply: I felt a warm fuzzy when I read this comment.....and since I have a medical condition that makes me always cold, that was a double treat. Thank you. Nice people and nice comments are well treasured too. :D

MarnieReviewed Chapter: 8 on 1/5/2004
Ah, Cirdan's rapidly becoming something of a favourite of mine, I don't know why but I seem to be having a moment where I'm confusing him with Father Christmas - long beard and trustworthy heartiness etc :) Still, it wasn't very nice landing Glorfindel on Elrond all unsupecting. I can just imagine the look on Elrond's face ;)

How nice that it was the beginning of a lifelong friendship. Are we going to get Glorfindel's first impressions of Elrond too? But Elrond's right, although he's had a rough life by all accounts, he's also had some remarkable friends and helpers in his time :)

Author Reply: Cirdan is one of my favorites too! I blame Levade - and if my Cirdan has any resemblance to hers, it is purely because imitation is the sincerest form of flattery.

Glorfindel will get his say too, although he's misbehaving right now with fruit and poor manners. If he'll cooperate, we'll get the next chapter done soon :/


Reviewed Chapter: 8 on 1/4/2004
Um, chapter 8 is labeled chapter 9.

Author Reply: Thank you! Fixed :D

NikaraReviewed Chapter: 8 on 1/4/2004
Wow! I loved the history in this story, especially Elrond's reaction to Glorfindel's arrival. Very fun and cute. I can't wait for more about their friendship!

Author Reply: They are rather fun to write together :D Glad you are enjoying it!

BejaiReviewed Chapter: 8 on 1/3/2004
Ah, Nilmandra, how I love this story. Cirdan and Glorfindel together was absolutely priceless. What a pair. And the first meeting between Elrond and Glorfindel! Speechless Elrond; too funny.

I also enjoyed the subtle touches about sensation that Glorfindel is still experiencing. The stars, the sunshine, dinner. Reminders that these small, everyday things are still new to him, and bring him delight.

I want to hear about the times when Glorfindel was at odds with Gil-galad. :)Glorfindel's reply that there was "not really" such a time means there really is a story somewhere around there.

Loved this bit: "Life sometimes balances out that way, with undeserved goodness weighted against undeserved evil. Do not question such gifts, Elrond. Just treasure them.” Lovely, profound.

When you're ready to post the next chapter, I'll just be sitting here, waiting breathlessly.


Author Reply: Thank you, Bejai. I think I fell in love with the Cirdan - Glorfindel relationship in Levade's world. The crusty old seaman and the re-embodied elf - what a pair! Glorfindel and Gil-Galad - now what type of interaction they had must have been interesting. I am looking forward to exploring that! Soon as Glorfy behaves himself, we'll get the next chapter up.

FirstMateReviewed Chapter: 8 on 1/3/2004
Oh...it was a lot of fun to read about Glorfindel meeting Elrond and what he was thinking. I like the thought that his main loyalty is to Elrond and his family. POOR Erestor...you didn't mention him really, but if Celebrian is so mad that she's hardly responding to Elrond, you know she won't be a very pleasant traveling companion at the moment! I'm looking forward to her reunion with her children and hope that the 'current day' features heavily in the next chapter. Well, great chapter...can't wait to read more!

Author Reply: I do feel bad for Erestor - I wouldn't want to face Celebrian's wrath! I think I would hate to be Elrond more - he better hope that having her children with her softens her reaction to him.

frodo16424Reviewed Chapter: 8 on 1/3/2004
"servant leadership" I like that phrase. It definitely fits both Elrond and Glorfindel. Really enjoying your writing. Thanks again for making the story clearer for me.

Author Reply: I was thinking once of how many of the leaders of the Second Age fell in the Battle of the Last Alliance - Gil-Galad, Oropher, Amdir, Elendil etc - and realized that the Kings led their people in battle, to death in some cases, and they did not spare their sons/heirs. Elrond, Isildur, Amroth, Thranduil etc were all there fighting too. Leaders who served. I love finding themes like this in Tolkien's work.

daw the minstrelReviewed Chapter: 8 on 1/3/2004
I was particularly amused by Cirdan here. He has no time for silliness but is so utterly trustworthy. And despite his gruffness, he loves Gil-Galad, Elrond, and Elros. I liked the idea that Glorfindel's innocence made him transparent to the trustworthy.

Gil-Galad was interesting too. He was important to the history of ME but we seldom see much of him really.

And Celebrian is apparently breathing fire toward more than Erestor.

Author Reply: Elrond's thoughts should be burning - but I think they'll enjoy making up ;D I enjoy Cirdan tremendously - there is mystery around him - and it was fun to think of what it meant for a re-embodied elf to regain his innocence (especially if it meant having him walk around naked :D).

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