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History Lessons: The Third Age by Nilmandra	11 Review(s)
elliska	Reviewed Chapter: 17 on 9/10/2006
Yeah, my DSL is back and I get to read! This was great! Bilbo's 'when do we leave' was so perfect for him. Much better than the way PJ made him in the movies. And I really love that Imladris with the help of the twins, becomes part of the Kingdom of Men. That seems very fitting since it was always a haven for anyone in need and had been founded and ruled by the Half Elven. And I just prefer that idea to the idea of it fading away and decaying. But Elrond's departure from the house where so much had happened made me cry. As happy as he was to be rejoining Celebrian, leaving so many memories must still be sad. And by his goodbye to the twins, I was bawling. He had felt old since he was a youth himself, fighting in the War of Wrath, and since Vilya’s loss of power he had felt weary beyond hope. Thin and brittle, breakable. Could he become as his sons wished, as he wished? “Yes, you can and will,” replied Elrohir, and he smiled at his father’s look of surprise. Really well done here. That was very powerful and said a lot. And I never stopped bawling. I loved the scene you wrote for the birth of the twins when you posted in your LJ and I really loved reading it in context here. And their final departure was excellent. Estel. That was perfect. Great chapter! Author Reply: This story has made me cry much, as I think about loss and change and pain. I would not wish to be immortal in the way the elves are for all the money in the world. I am glad you liked this; I am glad that I am nearly done too. I want Elrond to find peace soon.

Dreamflower	Reviewed Chapter: 17 on 9/7/2006
So much pain and sorrow in this parting--for Elrond from his sons, for Celeborn from his wife, for Sam, Merry and Pippin from Frodo--for all of them from Mithrandir/Gandalf. The Sundering Sea has rightfully earned its name. You have dealt with it in such a wonderfully insightful way, mingling the bittersweet poignancy of a farewell, with a hope for the future of Middle-earth, even when it would become bereft of Elves. When I was young, and read the ending of LotR for the first time, I was devastated--all that they had gone through to put the world to rights, and then they are rewarded by having to give it all up, and to be sundered from those they loved--not only those leaving, but those left behind. Even now I find it painful--and sometimes seek solace in AUs where this pain is overcome and they can find peace without having to sail--a sweet analgesic, though not very lasting. They are not without their own charms, and make a delightful holiday from what "really happened." But over the years (39 since first I read the books) I have come to understand with each re-reading that the pain is a part of the greatness of the story. A conventional happy ending would have made of it nothing more than a run-of-the-mill fantasy. It was JRRT's courage in knowing just how entwined true joy and pain are, and in showing us that this was as happy an ending as was possible that gave us an enduring classic worthy of being called the greatest book of the 20th century. And I salute you for your courage in examining this pain in such a deep and personal way, taking us further into the mind and heart of Elrond Half-Elven than his creator ever did, and in breathing life into him for all time. And we can read this and anticipate the joy that awaits him with his reunion on the Western Shore. Author Reply: But over the years (39 since first I read the books) I have come to understand with each re-reading that the pain is a part of the greatness of the story. I only read the books for the first time a few years ago, and this is precisely what attracted me to the story. I know just what you mean. Everything of great value cost something. For every beginning there is an end, for every victory there is great cost, for everyone who gains, someone must lose. While it seems that the victors should gain, that is not always so. I loved LotR because of the Grey Havens chapter, because not everyone lived happily ever after. I doubt I will do justice to what lies beyond the Sundering Sea, save to say that I hope that peace is found for these ones at last.

perelleth	Reviewed Chapter: 17 on 9/5/2006
I'm glad that you managed to find some time for yourself.. and for us! ;-) I really like what you are doing with this, Nilmandra, filling in the gaps we all wondered about, and putting down conversations that must have taken place. While I do like Tolkien's understated, hurried treatment of the last days of these Elves on Middle-earth, I am really enjoying to see the "extended" version, which comes out very in character to me. Bilbo was great in his eagerness, and you are right, Bilbo is Ian Holm, and Ian Holm is Bilbo. I loved Glorfindel's easy manner with Erestor, and Erestor's efficient-till-the-last minute attitude. But I loved most the part when Elrond goes to a high place with Elladan and Elrohir and shows them the lands, (and the reference to the fires in AMon Sul) It really moved me, his acceptance of what shall come of all them in the Age of Men, and the last task he sets upon his sons. It all came out in a very powerful way to me. I too liked your version of the Grey Havens, far less poignant than Tolkien's, more full of hope and certainty of reunion, and elven centered! :-) And I am beyond words to read that there are more chapters to go! I feared it was just one left! Author Reply: I was thinking when writing this that eveyone has a 'time' when they come into their own - Elrond's time has finished. this is all about 'ending well' for him.. but for his sons, they have 'work' left to do - a purpose, at least to see Aragron's inheritance come to its fullness. They will need to know when their work is done and figure out how to 'end well' too - an important thing to figure out pretty early on. A few chapters left! Mostly written too, thank goodness.

Elenluin	Reviewed Chapter: 17 on 9/5/2006
Sad, but beautiful... Too bad that this magnificant chapter announces that the end of this story is near, at least I'm glad to hear that there are a few more chapters left! Author Reply: It is true, all stories must come to an end. :( But there are always more stories that can be told. Glad you enjoyed. this is such a melancholy time.

French Pony	Reviewed Chapter: 17 on 9/4/2006
Those two little babies are definitely all grown up now. They've acquired much of their father's wisdom recently, and they demonstrate it in the graceful ways that they take care of him in what is the closest he will ever come to "old age." Elrond is definitely ready to see Celebrían again. Who knows, all that practicing might lead to a few more kids who'd need their history lessons eventually! Author Reply: This sudden letting go is an eye opener for Elrond that he is a parent still, but they are adults who can manage fine without him. I have oft wondered about that, when the generations do not die out, but live on like this. LOL at practicing. :D One never knows.

meckinock	Reviewed Chapter: 17 on 9/4/2006
I loved Bilbo's instant enthusiasm for sailing. How perfectly Bilbo. Gandalf and Elrond are insightful to realize Frodo will need a little more time to come to his own decision. How agonizing it must have been for Elrond to leave Imladris, his home for thousands of years and a place of love and memories. I can just see him wanting to preserve the image of each room, each garden, each vista, in memory to never be forgotten, at least by the Eldar. The flashback to the twins' birth was sweet. I remember that LJ post! It's lovely to think they were so closely bonded that they didn't even want to be parted from each other long enough to be born. Author Reply: I was glad to finally get to use this part! I wrote some happy Celebrian times after writing the orc attack and her sailing, just to get the images from my mind. The good news is that that means the next few chapters are mostly written. I like writing Bilbo.. I think in writing The Hobbit Tolkien made his character very alive and full of personality, more so than he did in his more serious works. I love Ian Holm as him too, but wonder if he won't be too old by the time they make the Hobbit into a movie.

Jay of Lasgalen	Reviewed Chapter: 17 on 9/4/2006
What a lovely, long, detailed chapter! There was so much I liked about this - Elrond climbing with his sons until they could look out over the whole of Imladris; Glorfindel's version of 'diplomacy'; and the fact that Elladan and Elohir were there at the Grey Havens. It may not be canon, but I'm certain they were there. I also agree with your reasoning that Tolkien implies the twins did eventually sail - if only because I want them to. I thought I'd read the part about the twins' birth before. I like the way they were desperately holding hands, even though it delayed Elladan's birth; and the way they only began to suckle when clasping hands again. Celebrían's words that 'Elrond didn't suck so hard' are wicked! I love it :>) Author Reply: I was glad to finally get to use this part that I wrote so long ago! At least half of each of the next four chapters is written, though I will have to modify to deal with some threads I hadn't conceived of back when I started. Especially the theme of the Dominion of Men and the role the twins played during the time of Aragorn's reign.

Bodkin	Reviewed Chapter: 17 on 9/4/2006
Bidding farewell to Imladris must have been really hard. Not as bad as leaving Arwen - or, probably as saying farewell to Elrohir and Elladan, even if he can feel fairly sure that they will join him in time, but still bad. It's the place where most of his happiest memories lie and it's somewhere he will never be able to return to. Climbing the cliff to see it all from that vantage point ... well, I'm glad E2 were with him. (And that he can here the echo of the sea in Elrohir. That must be some reassurance.) It must have been a relief, in the end, for the journey to start and know that he was on the way home to Celebrian. I loved Bilbo's enthusiasm for the journey - and Frodo's reluctant understanding. And the flashback to the twins' birth was delightful. A moment of pure happines in Elrond's life - with any of the 'buts' that seemed to accompany his milestones hidden away. Loved Galadriel supporting them both through the birth and Celeborn attempting to steal away his grandson for extra bonding. And I love the idea that the interregnum is the last flush of the elves graceful handover of power rather than a desperate attempt to cling on to the end of glory. Author Reply: The Dominon of Men really struck me in this chapter, that the hand over was not from Elrond to his sons, but to Men, to Aragorn and Arwen, though it seemed to make sense to have his sons steward the changeover. That really changed how I thought of much of the events. I love writing Bilbo - he has an easy voice and he is still full of adventure, even now.

SurgicalSteel	Reviewed Chapter: 17 on 9/4/2006
I love your portrayal of Bilbo. Just love it. And Celebrian's experience with the twins was absolutely marvellous. Author Reply: I find Bilbo the easiest of the hobbits to write. Sam has a pretty easy 'voice' too, but the other three I only feel somewhat comfortable with.

daw the minstrel	Reviewed Chapter: 17 on 9/4/2006
I truly love your portrayal of Bilbo. He's still so eager for new adventure. You did a really nice job with this, I think. I like how you show them preparing for the twins, whose will help the transition into the time of Men and support their sister. And Glorfindel just shines. I wish the Valar would send me someone like that. Well, in more ways than one, I wish that, but he'd be nice to have for counsel too. :-) Author Reply: Glorfindel is a bit idealized, but hey, we all need a friend like that! I have thought he may have had a hard time letting Elrond go off with out him, but staying with Elrond's children is the biggest gift he can give. I'll be glad when they're all reunited in Valinor.

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