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History Lessons  by Nilmandra 9 Review(s)
Reviewed Chapter: 19 on 10/1/2003
Oh, btw, I think you have a few Sillmarils in chapter 4.

Reviewed Chapter: 19 on 10/1/2003
First of all, this is a Great Story.
I first discovered it rather late yesterday evening, and I was still reading at 1:30am... I came back to finish it earlier this afternoon, but I had other things to do before I could review properly. So..

The quality of your writing is absolutely superb, and the characters are gorgeous, they're so vivid. I can almost see them in front of me as I read. Doesn't hurt that you have almost all my favorite elves here either. The style and the language that you use is enjoyable and immediately understandable, unlike several passages of the Silmarillion I can think of... ;)
The occasional word of Elvish dropped in really adds to the prose, although I am glad you stopped putting the translations in at the , that interrupted the flow a bit. (It reminded me I was reading a story - I tend to forget when I'm absorbed.) If you want the translations with the words, might I suggest you put them inside the speech marks with what the character is saying? (eg. "Come here, ion-nín, my son," Elrond beckoned to them.) Just a thought.
Both the present and the past of your tale are equally enjoyable, and the transitions are very well designed and fit together nicely.
Humour and sadness are both written exceptionally, never seeming forced or unlikely. I think the best of your writing is in showing us what the characters are feeling, from Elrohir's impatience and temptation in the last chapter, to Elrond's heartbreak at the end of ch5. Beautifully done!
And that scene in the library! I was sitting here giggling away to myself.
Thankyou for letting me in to watch the lives of two such adorable pairs of elflings. More, more!

FadesintothewestReviewed Chapter: 19 on 9/19/2003
Like waiting in anticipation for the gifts Santa Clause leaves on x-mas morning! That is what Elrohir's anticipation reminded me of. The more I read about Glorfindel, the more I want to know about him. That darn Elf just snakes his way in and doesnt want to leave!

It is interesting to see an older Elrond reflecting on his past, or exchanging verbal spats with Glorfindel, in contrast with the younger Elrond. I enjoy reading the younger Elrond, his eagerness, his curiousity, his relationship with Elros. It makes his pain in the "present" of the story more poignant. You really do feel his pain, his anger when Galadriel mentions that like Elrond was simply and Elf, Elros was simply a man. Ai how tragic!

Er you brought some interesting images to mind- in comparing the differences in bodily hair of an elf, a man, and the half-elven... very interesting.

LKKReviewed Chapter: 19 on 9/15/2003
I love that Elrohir talks to his cast and to his sword. Every child knows that just because an object is inanimate doesn't mean that it isn't alive. And with as much love as went into painting the cast and with as much love as Elrohir feels for his sword, they both must surely be alive. I hope Albast survives his infection. I would hate for the twins to learn the meaning of grief at such a young age. Finally, thank you very much for your history lessions. I'm learning so much!

BejaiReviewed Chapter: 19 on 9/15/2003
Nilmandra

This story is always so delightful! It was a treat to turn on my computer this morning and get a new chapter of one of my very favorites.

Loved Elrohir's discovery of the singing. It's such an intensly elvish custom, but it seemed appropriate that the elflings wouldn't be involved or aware of it yet. Elvish singing is joy mixed with sadness, and though it certainly speaks to Elrohir, he doesn't know enough yet to feel the sadness.

Although it looks like he is about to. I have this terrible feeling that you're setting them up for their first bewildering taste of mortality and the first time they realize that their father can fail. Oh, the angst! The twin's gentleness and compassion for Albast really quite beautiful.

The connections you've crafted between the characters is my favorite part of this story -- how they laugh together, how they support one another. I just can't say enough good things about this story, and eagerly await the next chapter.

daw the minstrelReviewed Chapter: 19 on 9/15/2003
I like the small changes you made. And as I've told you, I really like the First Age story here. I find it compelling and exciting. I also like the adorable elflings and appreciate the contrast that their upbringing forms to their father's. You can only imagine how gratifying it is to Elrond to give his children what he did not have. And I like the strength he draws from Celebrian.

LevadeReviewed Chapter: 19 on 9/15/2003
I was so happy to see this notification come up because I had thought you weren't writing any more on this. Thought I might have to go and start suggesting/hinting/begging for a new story! ;-)

The twins, as ever, are adorable. I love the part where Elrohir grabs his twin to race off and show his grandparents. Never broke anything, but I remember well my friend's near delirious joy at getting their casts off!

Alabast. You know it's odd how we get attached to non-canon characters, and dread seeing what fate the author has in store for them. I fear this poor Ranger might not live, and I've grown really fond of him! It's touching to see how everyone interacts with him as well, and how very gentle they are with him.

Younger Elrond is so cute! He's just an inquisitive thing, and the whole section with his listening to Cirdan whilst part of his attention was fixated on that beard was funny. Cirdan, of course, I love. ;-) Grumpity old barnacle.

Poor Glorfindel, bound by his own sworn oath not to touch a hair on Celebrian's head, and having it driven home by her husband... Naughty Celebrian! I think the Golden One simply needs to think around the problem and implicate someone else. *g* Of course he truly would never allow her to be harmed, but oh...the visions that come to mind if he could team up with Galadriel.... ;-D

Levade

DollyReviewed Chapter: 19 on 9/15/2003
I love this series. The Elflings are wonderful, so inquisitive but eager to learn and so funny. I like the way Elrond and Celebrian are portrayed as a happy couple ( so many other stories have them in an arranged marriage and I don't see them like that, I think it was a love match) and the way their little family extends to Glorfindel and the other Elves in Imladris. I also like Gil-Galad and Elros/Elrond as young ones. More of this very soon please. I am always on the lookout for updates.

mpfanReviewed Chapter: 19 on 9/15/2003
I've wanted to leave a review for awhile but never did. I absolutely love this story. I never really could get into the Silmarillion, and your history makes it all so fascinating. I feel like I'm the one having the history lesson!

I have only one complaint though...I loved how Glorfindel and Erestor had a practical joke rivalry going on. It would be so wonderful to see some more of that. Or perhaps I can entice you with a plot bunny for a future story based on those two? You have a real gift with humor.

Please update soon!

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