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| History Lessons: The Second Age by Nilmandra | 11 Review(s) |
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| LKK | Reviewed Chapter: 14 on 5/11/2004 |
| I have a new favorite OC -- the Cook. He's delightful! Whenever I read his dialogue, it seems to have the slightest trace of an accent to my ears. I'm not sure how you accomplished that miracle of writing, but I'm in awe. I hope the Cook appears in upcoming chapters, fulfilling his promise to do his part in nursing Elrohir back to health. I like your protrayal of Celeborn -- strong-willed and determined. He really comes across as a personality distinct from Galadriel's in this chapter. I think Celeborn had to have had a strong, independent spirit in order to a female like Galadriel to have fallen in love with him. Your history lesson brought a new way of thinking to my mind. Except for the Elven rings, I have always tended to think of the rings as totally evil. But I think you're right in that Celebrimbor would have put good (for lack of a better word) into the rings for dwarves and for men. Only Sauron's ring was totally evil; I realize now. I never thought about that before, but I think you're right. Loved the banter between Glorfindel & Erestor over the ribbon flowers. Those two are always a treat. Good chapter! Author Reply: LOl at the cook! I think he does have an accent - a slight Silvan one, perhaps. I hope he sticks around too - I love it when these OC's just pop in and make themselves at home. I am glad you liked Celeborn. HE and Galadriel are enigma's to write. I admit he is one character where I actually try to picture the movie version in my head. And Glorfindel and Erestor - well, they are two more that I never quite know what they are up to. But i love them! | |
| The Karenator | Reviewed Chapter: 14 on 5/8/2004 |
| Nilmandra, I'm so glad to see the 'telling of tales' again. My favorite part of the 'tale' was when Celebrimbor gave Galadriel the Elfstone. Celeborn was a hoot. He was so busy marking his territory he didn't even catch Galadriel's ...um, irritation, until he had already ventured into dangerous waters. Males are males, no matter what race, it seems. I really like seeing Celeborn portrayed as a strong guy. He was called 'the wise', and I don't think it was because he was a 'yes, dear' kind of husband. And of course, I like Galadriel as a female with a mind of her own. They're an interesting couple to explore. I especially liked seeing Celebrian with her parents. That's another interesting and often ignored relationship. Good chapter, Nilmandra. All of it. I'll be back to see how Erestor did making his flowers. :>) Karen Author Reply: I am laughing, trying to picture Celeborn saying 'Yes, dear' - I think it would be through clenched teeth only! He and Galadriel should be quite interesting to develop - two very strong willed, powerful and at times 'wise' people. Thanks for the comments. | |
| eokat | Reviewed Chapter: 14 on 5/8/2004 |
| Lovely chapter. I especially like the way the elves replenish their fea, it always seems to be such a beautiful experience, I feel quite envious. The thoughts of Glorfindel doing embroidery made me smile, but then again why not! Eokat. Author Reply: I am envious too! Glorfindel has many talents and skills - I think he is just waiting to show them off :D | |
| Marnie | Reviewed Chapter: 14 on 5/8/2004 |
| Time for a big smile :) I have now forgiven the whole family and rather like them again I giggled at the fact that Glorfindel is now Arwen's new best friend! Erestor had better watch himself, being ganged up on from both sides; but at least he gets to learn a new skill. The Second Age sequence was fabulous! The thought of Celebrimbor putting all that thought and care into fine-tuning the rings for each race, only to have Annatar enslave them by that same thing, was enough to almost make me feel sorry for him. And the insight about the nine worlds being the reason there are nine rings for Men makes so much sense that I'm sure it must be right. Loved the way that Annatar just looked through Celeborn - I'm sure that's right, he wouldn't have thought Celeborn important enough to be either a threat or an ally. And I had to laugh at both of them getting het up about the other giving them orders ;) What a pair! It was nice to see though that Celeborn is wise enough to take good advice, even if he objects to how it was put. Fascinating to think that they must have known Sauron - he must have known them personally. It really adds depth to Tolkien's books. Thank you! Author Reply: Writing the family Celeborn and Galadriel is interesting! I am glad they have redeemed themselves :-) Celebrimbor was blind, but I think almost purposefully so. He reminds me of scientists who want their data so badly, they turn a blind eye to how the data is obtained. Tolkien said it wasn't until the One was forged that Celebrimbor fully understood Sauron's designs, though. I think Sauron must have hated all of these elves that stood up to him. It makes his hatred of them very personal and explains him going after them again when his strength grew :( | |
| Jay of Lasgalen | Reviewed Chapter: 14 on 5/8/2004 |
| A pleasant chapter, things are looking up all round. Elrohir is finally healing in body and spirit, though it's a bit worrying he can't remember the last couple of days clearly. I liked this comment: 'this creation will be something even the most terribly injured, emaciated elf could not refuse.” “I am not emaciated,” argued Elrohir with a yawn.' Hmm, he doesn't argue about being terribly injured, does he? I like the banter between Glorfindel and Erestor too, especially the fact that they do it for the audience half the time! Jay Author Reply: I am glad for Elrohir, too. Poor thing - he really has taken a battering this story. I don't think he would argue about the terribly injured! I have thought had they lived in different times, Glorfindel and Erestor might be a comdey duo - assuming of course, they didn't kill each other first. Erestor's role in the second age is still developing in my mind. He is rather elusive :) | |
| lwarren | Reviewed Chapter: 14 on 5/7/2004 |
| Ah Nilmandra, so much to comment on...First, the title is so cool -- the bonds forged between the family (and repaired, and strengthened) to the symbolic bonds that the rings of power would weave around their wearers. As my son would say, "Tight." Then the little scene between Celebrian and her parents - I love the way those two handle her ("Do you wish to speak or listen?"...."Would you like to hear how graceful I find you and how likely you were to have succeeded...?") Very wise, and they give her just what she needs, and then she promptly gives it back to Elrond and Elrohir. (I've forgiven her for the tantrum... :-) ). On to the little sewing lesson - I laughed all the way through this part. The golden one is a tricksy elf, isn't he? And Erestor is a willing slave to the princess, who does have him wrapped around her finger, for sure! Elbows and needle jabs, and Arwen's "I do not want Glorfindel injured" ... too funny, and touching. "Silly games they might play, but they also played to make their audience smile." Annoying, irritating, confounding,...wonderful, tender-hearted, loyal elves! Elladan tickling his brother's palm...and their little heart-to-heart talk about El's new abilities. The cook's offer to cook for Elrohir all night, if needed, and finally that tense, somewhat spooky tale of the making of the rings. "His eyes lit into a dance. 'Then the Nine.' " Oooooooooo *shudders*. A MOST satisfying chapter! (Actually - wonderful!) And more thanks for your informative notes at the end. I like reading about what your research has revealed, and the conclusions you've drawn from it. linda Author Reply: Thank you for mentioning the 'bonds' - I was hoping that came through. I was reading all the ring myths and like the idea that the ring symbolizes bonding as well (and not just in Christian theology, which is of course, borrowed from pagan mythology). I was fascinated that a kind of three way bonding occurs between Sauron and the One Ring; and then the bearer who takes on a ring of power; and finally between the smaller rings of power and the one. The golden elf is very tricksy! He turned the tables on Erestor quite nicely there, and even has the princess on his side. The cook has been fun to write - poor elf doesn't even have a real name! | |
| Bejai | Reviewed Chapter: 14 on 5/7/2004 |
| Oh, hooray! Your timing of this chapter is just perfect -- right when I'm desperate for a break. I read it early, early this morning, when I was supposed to by studying for a final ;) Bah to finals. Loved the interaction between Celebrian and her parents. There is so little of that family's interaction in the fandom, and so it is most welcome, especially in loving and non-angsy doses. And C&G's barbs at one another within the little game cracked me up. Loved Glorfindel and Erestor poking at one another. Figuratively and literally. And Elladan asked the question I've been wondering -- could Elrond and Elros have done the same thing? I suppose we'll never know. I'm really quite fond of the cook who keeps poking in and out of the story. Sometimes these minor characters are such a joy! Amusing too that Galadriel can't remember exactly when they picked him up. He probably just joined their company 30 or 40 centuries ago and has been cooking ever since. Annatar in simply chilling, especially regarding the rings. And his interaction with Galadriel and Celeborn just oozes with malice. I can't help but think that some of the tragedy that befalls them later is a direct result of the fact that Sauron had a personal hatred of them both. And poor Celebrimbor! He really wasn't a bad guy, but was terribly deceived and seduced. I like your nod to that -- how Celebrimbor thought of the strengths of each race and Sauron the weaknesses. Just a lovely, complex chapter. Very much enjoyed it, and looking forward to more. Author Reply: I hated finals! So glad the school years are done, yes I am... I am glad you liked the Celebrian and parents scene. C and G snip at each other, but tolkien called them a love story and Celebrian is a product of their love. I was hoping they came across realistically. I think you are right about the malice Annatar bore for Celeborn and Galadriel. He is using Celebrimbor, but one can only image how blind that elf may be too it - he hears such fair words all day. I have learned much about ring mythology and look forward to writing more too. Thanks, Bejai. | |
| Bodkin | Reviewed Chapter: 14 on 5/7/2004 |
| I loved the Galadriel / Celebrian / Celeborn interaction. So sweet. (It must be quite difficult to be the child of two such strong parents!) The history lessons are fascinating - I'm discovering lots! Author Reply: Can you imagine? Poor Celebrian! Born of powerful people and then she married one. Silly elleth - but, I think she is strong in her own way too - in the confidence that comes from one who does not need to bear power to be strong. I am glad you like the history lessons. It is interesting to delve into the second age and try to determine the motivations of the players and how the scenes may have played out. | |
| daw the minstrel | Reviewed Chapter: 14 on 5/7/2004 |
| As I was drawn by the First Age story in HLI, I love the Second Age story here. Annatar is absolutely creepy. He's so oily and slick and just strange! The scene where he is working on the rings is wonderful. And Galadriel and Celeborn are such a strong couple. One can imagine them clashing, but also loving very strongly. This is not to say that I didn't enjoy the Third Age stuff. Arwen and her two admirers made me laugh. I also liked the scene between Celebrian and her parents. We don't see the three of them treated as a family much. I liked it. Author Reply: I am glad Annatar is creepy - that is exactly what I was going for - a lion ready to pounce, evil masquerading as an angel of light. Imagining Galadriel as wife and mother, not Lady and leader, is different. I think there is a more vulnerable side for us to see. | |
| shirebound | Reviewed Chapter: 14 on 5/6/2004 |
| Absolutely fascinating chapter. I'm just amazed at your vision of the forging of the rings (and the reasons and numbers behind each set) -- and that of the Elessar. Your story just enchants me. "Celebrimbor spent many hours in thought, thinking of the strengths of each race and where their eyes would see beauty. Sauron spent his thoughts determining the weakness of each race and how best to enslave them." Perfect. Author Reply: Thanks, Shirebound. Lots of research on this one, but I liked the end result. The numbers just matched up for me (I am a little slow!) but its an interesting and potentially evil connection! | |