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History Lessons: The Second Age  by Nilmandra 16 Review(s)
lwarrenReviewed Chapter: 11 on 4/22/2004
I have really enjoyed this story - I didn't start it until kind of late, and sat for a couple of hours reading the whole thing to this point. The relationship between Arwen and her big brothers is so typical, especially with a little one like she is. I've always enjoyed stories about the twins - and this has been exceptionally good. Add a dash of Erestor arguing with Celebrian :), a cup of Elrond and a good measure of Glorfindel and it is heaven! You have a way with words that puts your reader right there, and feeling the pain and fear right along with the elves. (I can't think of a place I'd rather be, either!) Thanks for a great story!

I hated for Hunting to end, and would like to petition the author for at least 50 chapters of this - after all, history is a LONGGGGG and drawn out process. Yes???? No???? Ah well, had to try. ;)

Author Reply: I am glad you are enjoying the story. I admit trying to spin tales of the second age is intimidating - but I am fortunate to have Glorfindel and Elrond to tell me what to put to paper!

I don't think 50 chapters, but probably at least double what I currently have. IT depends much on Galadriel - and she strikes me as the type, who, once she starts the story will decide how and when to end it!

Iawen LondeaReviewed Chapter: 11 on 4/20/2004
Was I ever happy to see an update to this!!! Excellent chapter, poor Elrohir!! Arwen is quite easily jealous when it comes to her brothers. I remember her overprotectiveness of Elrohir a few chapters earlier, I wonder if that will continue as she heals. I also can't wait to see Celebrian reunite with her three children, I'm sure both Arwen and Elrohir will feel much better when she is there. Hope to see the next chapter soon!

Author Reply: Thank you, Iawen Londea :-) All of Elrond's children are struggling a bit right now, but they are fortunate to have their father and Glorfindel, and now their grandparents to help them through this time. And, oh, Celebrian wants to be reunited with her children! Her reunion with her whole family may not be exactly as she imagined either. :/

henadielReviewed Chapter: 11 on 4/19/2004
Gosh, I've really enjoyed these stories! It made me jealous of a group of elflings, as history was never made this good for me. I am eagerly awaiting the next installment, and enjoying "Hunting" in the meantime.

Author Reply: Thank you, Henadiel. I have enjoyed 'telling' the history in the way I wished I had learned it too. I also wished to meld into the story how I perceived elves value their children, and also the extended childhood and the fact that people who lived through that time are still alive, so you have the time and experience to tell it this way. I hope you are enjoying Hunting too :D

BejaiReviewed Chapter: 11 on 4/19/2004
Ah! How delightful to see this story updated again! Just the other day I was thinking that I should drop you an email begging you to continue. You must have read my mind.

It was interesting to see the frustration come through. This chapter felt very "real." The behind-the-scenes reality of any unpleasant situation that tends to get overlooked in art and prose.

And Celeborn and Galadriel arrive at last! Good to see them.

Thank you for continuing this story. I was afraid that it had abandoned you. Very much looking forward to more.

Author Reply: Thanks, Bejai. Work had grabbed me and this story just felt like too much of a challenge, so I had to write fluff for a while. I am glad to be working on this again, and am hoping to get my 'voices' of Celeborn, Galadriel and others of the second age figured out now.

Elena TirielReviewed Chapter: 11 on 4/19/2004
Ah, Nilmandra, what a satisfying chapter! So good to see you back on this story, but I am also very grateful for your generosity in sharing your talent with us despite your stressful work situation... "Hunting" may have been fluff in your mind, but it was very enjoyable, very high quality fluff!

It's so realistic to see everyone let their injuries and strains put them on edge... especially after the life-threatening emergency is past, when the time seems to just drag on and the discomforts seem to just multiply. I really felt your characters' pain... and was pleased that things were looking up at the end.

I look forward to updates! (but don't want to pressure you...)


Author Reply: Thanks, Elena. I call 'Hunting' fluff, and in a way it is, but I love writing those kind of stories.

I am glad that the 'realism' of this chapter came through - after the life threatening part is past but before recovery is hardest, not only on the injured/sick but also on the caregivers.

Updates should be regular again (as long as little Legolas doesn't look at me with those incredible eyes and beg for me to write more about him - child is incorrigible :-)).

BodldopsReviewed Chapter: 11 on 4/19/2004
This is one of my favorite stories on the site, and I am overjoyed that you have updated! This was a very moving chapter, and I'll have to read it several more times just to get all of the emotion. I do wonder, however, what Elrond will think when he finds out Elladan has been in pain every time he patches up Elrohir...

Author Reply: Thank you, Bodldops. I think Elrond is going to be surprised a bit to find that his sons' bond is that close :) I do feel sorry for Elladan in this chapter - he is getting it from all sides. I think all three of Elrond's children will grow during this experience.

Camp6311Reviewed Chapter: 11 on 4/19/2004
I am so glad to see this story updated, and am looking forward to returning to the second age. I just love the perspective you bring to those times.

Author Reply: Thanks, Camp. This age intimidates me a little, but I am really looking forward to delving into it. Thank you for your support!

GershwhenReviewed Chapter: 11 on 4/18/2004
WONDERFUL update!! Well worth the wait. I do adore reading about a caring Elrond and Glorfindel taking care of the twins and Arwen.

Erestor is just amazing -- what we all wouldn't give to have him running our house!

I do hope that when your History Lessons are finished we might get more Elrond and the elflings stories. You do so well in portraying them as a loving family and I alway finish reading with a smile on my face.

Author Reply: Erestor is truly amazing - its funny, but somehow one line in a book can lead you to just know this is true! I am glad you like the caretaking going on - and now Elrond has had a little talk with Elrohir, and needs to have one with Arwen now. He loves them too much not to. :-)

meckinockReviewed Chapter: 11 on 4/18/2004
All I can say is, Glorfindel is really a trooper. I can't imagine that braiding doll hair is something he every imagined himself doing. Poor Elrond; I don't know how much longer he could have held up if Galadriel and Celeborn hadn't shown up. Something about Galadriel on the scene, giving orders, just makes you know everything's going to be all right. And Elladan! I feel worse for him than for Elrohir; helpless to do anything but just be there...ouch. And let's not even talk about how upset Celebrian must be....I hope they all get out of there soon. Wonderful chapter!

Author Reply: I am really glad the frustration and sense of being overwhelmed came through - and Glorfindel is a trooper. I think being as old, brave and wonderful as he is, his masculinity is not threatened by braiding little girl's hair :D. Plus, he adores the children as if they were his own.

I also completely agree about Galadriel. Elrond is going to awake to find the camp transformed and ship-shape. And grandparents (and spinster aunts :D) are some of those people you should be able to feel absolutely confident in how they will care for your children.

Thanks for the review!

NanethReviewed Chapter: 11 on 4/18/2004
Thank you, thank you, thank you for continuing this wonderful story! What a great chapter. Poor Elrohir, poor Elrond, poor everybody! The chapter was well worth the wait.

Author Reply: You are welcome! Thank you for the enthusiastic response!

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