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Happily Ever After  by Nilmandra 81 Review(s)
demeter dReviewed Chapter: 5 on 12/20/2017
I have come here to read this again after reading Daw's post informing the Stories of Arda family of Nimandra's passing beyond the Circles of This World. I do not believe that I ever reviewed any of her stories. But I want to say something. This story wonderfully portrays our sense of the Hope that there is indeed, something to look forward to beyond this life. Much thanks to Nilmandra, Rohrrah, Daw, Fiondil, and every author and reviewer who has made this site the hopeful, light-filled place it has become. Warmest Holiday Light, Love and Blessings to you all; on this the 20th day, the twelveth month, the Year of our Lord 2017.

walkerskyeReviewed Chapter: 5 on 6/24/2011
I've read this thru fully twice now and like it better even than before. the mystery builds to a very satisfying conclusion and leaves a door open to new adventures. I love the balance of choices: Arwen's, Elladan's and Elrohir's. thanks for a tale that has found a place on the shelf of my heart.

TanisReviewed Chapter: 5 on 1/1/2011
I'm speechless ... I have no idea how to even begin to share how much this story moved me. I kept looking for Legolas and Gimli, but Elladan & Elrohir's plight had me riveted to the cursor as I read this. So mind-bendingly sad, but filled with such love and devotion and in the end, such breathtaking joy and fulfillment.

A gorgeous tale from start to finish - like black velvet overlaid with exquisite white lace - a study in contrasts but blended to perfection.


Lady_RoisinReviewed Chapter: 2 on 9/1/2008
You did it again! Amazing! I absolutely love the reunion, and the letters and portraits of Aragorn and Arwen's family, and Arwen's letters. That was a wonderful detail to add. I'm very impressed and touched by your writing. :-)

Author Reply: Thanks for the review, Lady Roisin, and please forgive the long delay in responding. The first two chapters were actually written as part of HLIII, but never used. I think they fit better in this story.

Lady_RoisinReviewed Chapter: 1 on 9/1/2008
Wow! I'm speechless! I remember when I first read The Tale of Aragorn and Arwen, and I remember how touching it was. You have done a beautiful job writing the passing of Arwen. I cried I swear! It wa that touching, the whole chapter was very well written, and lots of real emotion, color, and beauty.

Author Reply: Thank you, this was a very sad chapter to write, but it had long been planned and needed to be written for my heart to move on.

EllieReviewed Chapter: 5 on 5/26/2008
What an incredible story! I was so not expecting the turn of events and the reasons for Elrohir's fading. Nice turn on the twin choice idea. Your tales are always most enjoyable! Well done!

Author Reply: Thanks, Ellie. I am glad you enjoyed this. This was one of the most meaningful to me tales to write, so I am thrilled when someone else enjoys it too. :D

obsidianjReviewed Chapter: 5 on 5/23/2008
So, that was what was eating at Elrohir. Poor elf. I think the biggest gift the Valar could give Elrond and Celebrian is that this choosing business is ended. What a relief to the new parents. Having to go through the wrenching choice 3 times was bad enough.

And there are no good choices. If, like Arwen, you choose mortality, you know you break your parents heart, since their choice was elven. If you are not sure what you want, like Elladan, you create another host of problems and will probably never be really content no matter what you choose. And Elrohir has a different problem. No matter what else he would like, his top priority is staying with Elladan, everything else can be arranged, which probably makes him another never quite content person. Although I got the impression he is quite happy in the end.

I like the way you have the 3 children veer in 3 directions, one mortal, one a happy elf and one not quite content, kind of sitting on the fence in the middle. Although I think with the help of his parents and grandparents, he will lead a happy life in Aman.

Author Reply: I am glad you liked the way it worked out with the three kids/three choices. Having decided to not separate the twins, there was an automatic conflict, too. Of course, I have done enough bad things to Elrohir over time to make his soul weaker and unlikely to suvive a sundering - not for the intent, but it is interesting to have to deal with the consequences of the situations created in earlier stories!

I think Elrohir is quite content.. and Elladan will be with a little help from the Valar. Thanks for reading.

obsidianjReviewed Chapter: 2 on 5/22/2008
Oh, another daughter for Elrond and Celebrian. They can never replace Arwen, but a new child will give them a new beginning in Aman. And the mystery about Elrohir deepens. What did Elladan do to arouse the wrath of Ulmo?

Author Reply: I wrote the daughter into the story several years ago, and nearly took her out! But she needed to be there after all. :D

obsidianjReviewed Chapter: 1 on 5/22/2008
What a powerful beginning to this story. For a moment I feared that Elladan would stay back. And what is with Elrohir? What grief is he harboring? I loved the explanation you gave for Arwen's lingering. And it had to break the heart of her brothers, Glorfindel and Celeborn to watch her in her grief, not ready to go on really living, not ready to die.

Now on to the next chapter.

Author Reply: It had to be hard for her family to see her end as Elrond had feared. Yet I find her brave too - to change something so core of yourself after living as one of the Eldar for 3000 years had to be a shock too.

TithenaruReviewed Chapter: 5 on 5/21/2008

"My choice was never between the fate of the Firstborn and Secondborn. It has always been choosing to be with Elladan or choosing to spend the rest of time in the Halls of Mandos. For if we chose fates apart, he with Men and I with the Elves, then I would fade and spend the rest of time a disembodied spirit, for I knew I could never heal from that sundering.”

" Yet I would not pressure Elladan by speaking of it to you. His choice had to be made freely. I would not have him regret his decision until the world ends.”

“And yet, Elrohir, few will understand that the reverse is not also true, that in allowing Elladan to choose for you both you might have to live with regret until the world’s end.”

I was sooo worried for a moment. Although I have always seen the twins as having conflicting desires, I have never believed them to be parted from one another. You have captured this so well and I have enjoyed every minute reading it.

Now we have more to look forward to: Lindorie and Elrohir, Alassë, and Elladans task.

Fantastic job

Author Reply: I am glad you liked the conclusion! I was hoping people would - but I was glad it came together as I hoped. And yes, I couldn't separate them, and I couldn't break Elrond's heart by having them choose mortality (though I'm with Elladan, frankly! I want to know what is beyond!). And now we have Lindorie and Alasse to add to the family and that will be fun! Thanks for reading to the end. :D

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